Himes Opposes Republican Cuts to Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) issued the following statement regarding the House Republican majority’s Energy-Water appropriations bill (H.R. 2028) for fiscal year 2016. Himes voted against the bill, which the House passed today by a vote of 240-177.
“Support for energy efficiency programs and clean energy alternatives should be bipartisan. They reduce our dependence on foreign oil, save money and create a more sustainable energy future for our country,” Himes said. “The House Republican majority’s funding bill, however, makes significant cuts to these investments while boosting spending for outdated coal and fossil fuel energy. I opposed this bill and will continue to work to enact smart, effective policies to improve our country’s long term energy independence and environmental impact.”
Overall, the bill provides $35.4 billion for the Energy Department and federal water projects in fiscal year 2016. The legislation would reduce investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy research and development by $266 million, almost 14 percent below this year’s levels. At the same time, the bill would increase spending for fossil fuels energy research and development.
