Dear Lawrence:
Thank you for contacting me about energy policy. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
I believe the United States must develop a comprehensive and balanced energy plan that finds 21 st century solutions to meet our current and future energy needs. Accomplishing this goal is crucial for national security, the economy, and the environment, and I am committed to working to establish such a plan. We must act now to develop clean, sustainable energy alternatives and capitalize on America 's vast renewable natural resources, such as Midwest grain. This investment in biofuels could allow Wisconsin 's universities to become a new " Silicon Valley " for biofuel research. It is time for us to invest in the Midwest, not the Middle East .
That is why I authored the Biogas Production Incentives Act of 2007, H.R. 2038. The Third Congressional District has over 6,000 dairy farms, more than any other congressional district. These farms represent a vast untapped source of clean, renewable energy. H.R. 2038 would provide modest incentives for farmers and small businesses to promote biogas - a substitute for natural gas created by the anaerobic digestion of animal waste and other organic bi-products. The Environmental Power Corporation has estimated national biogas production potential as the energy equivalent of approximately 2.5 billion gallons of heating oil per year. Although biogas is just one part of our larger course to energy independence, it is one that will invest in our rural communities, protect our environment from harmful greenhouse gases, and grow our economy.
Another piece of legislation you may be interested in is the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, H.R. 6, of which I am a proud co-sponsor. This legislation would put America on the right course by steering us away from unnecessary and costly subsidies for the oil and gas industries. The savings generated from this move would allow us to invest an estimated $6.6 billion over the next ten years in clean and efficient energy. On January 18, 2007, the House passed H.R. 6 by a vote of 264 to 163. It is currently pending before the Senate.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with additional comments or questions. I also encourage you to visit my website, www.house.gov/kind, where you can find updated information, sign up to receive my electronic newsletter, and send me e-mail.
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