Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-OR-5, gave a speech on the House floor on 5/27/2010 in support of the carbon benefits of energy from renewable forest biomass.
RENEWABLE BIOMASS AND EPA
(Mr. SCHRADER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. SCHRADER. Madam Speaker, America has tremendous potential for renewable energy production. Indeed, these are the jobs of our future.
One of the most important renewable energy sources for Oregon that binds rural and urban communities is the production of energy from forestry and agricultural byproducts, otherwise known as renewable biomass.
Unfortunately, it would appear that EPA is rewriting the rules in direct contravention to the intent of this Congress. In their final tailoring rule for regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, the EPA ignores hundreds of studies and precedents from their own research that biomass combustion is indeed carbon neutral. This contradicts what was also included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which passed out of this very body.
Despite the tremendous benefit to engage our rural farmers and foresters to play a role in our renewable energy future, EPA has decided to legislate instead of administrate. Through this tailoring role, they are doing their best to alienate rural America and deny them the opportunity to be a part of our renewable future.
Congressional Record (5/27/2010; p. H3873)
