What a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for contacting me to share your support for the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act (H.R.3220). Hearing from constituents on issues of concern is important to me and our office as we work to represent our district.
On August 4, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives considered the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act. This bill combined provisions of H.R. 3220 with the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 (H.R. 2776) and with energy legislation passed by House committees into H.R. 3221, a single, comprehensive bill.
H.R. 3221 addresses many energy issues such as global warming, poverty, and taxes on energy producers. However, the bill would do little to address America's energy independence and security. Instead, it would place disincentives and mandates on American energy production and investment and make foreign energy investment and reliance more attractive. While energy conservation is important, Congress should spend its time concentrating on the development of new and sustainable sources of energy, not forcing unfunded mandates on states and American taxpayers.
On August 4, 2007, the House passed H.R. 3221 by a vote of 241-172, and the bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate. Efforts are currently underway for the legislation to be reconciled in a conference committee with the U.S. Senate's energy bill -- the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007, and you can be sure that I will be closely following the debate as the matter moves forward.
Please know that I appreciate both your interest and your time in contacting us on this issue. As the discussion and debate moves forward on this and other issues please feel free to visit our website at www.house.gov/blackburn where you can sign-up for our email update -- the Blackburn Report, updates on important issues; find information on constituent services; read columns, recent press and the latest legislative news; all of which affect and concern the people of Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Marsha Blackburn
Member of Congress
