Media Center

Yesterday, Congressman Scott supported the passage of H.R. 6899, the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act, which passed in the House 236 to 189. This bipartisan legislation will bring energy costs down by expanding domestic energy supply, while also investing in renewable energy production.

“Democrats have offered a forward-thinking bill that responsibly increases domestic supply and makes a firm commitment to expanding our alternative energy future,” Scott said. “I am very proud to support this compromise.”

H.R. 6899 permits states to drill 50 to 100 miles offshore in the outer continental shelf (OCS) if coastal states authorize leasing, and directs the Interior Department to permit drilling 100 to 200 miles offshore. This bill also adheres to strict environmental standards by excluding leasing in national marine monuments and sanctuaries. H.R. 6899 includes provisions from other Scott-supported bills requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to allow oil and natural gas lease sales on an annual basis, rather than biannually, and requires the BLM to expeditiously construct a pipeline from Alaska to the continental 48 states. This measure bans the exportation of Alaskan oil and requires current leaseholders to demonstrate “diligent development” of all existing leases as determined by the Interior Department.

Congressman Scott praised the inclusion of incentives to help the cellulosic ethanol industry, including extending biodiesel production tax credits through the end of 2009. “In its commitment to developing cellulosic biofuels, Georgia is a leader in our new energy future,” Scott said. “Democrats know the potential of many kinds of cellulosic ethanol, which is why this legislation provides write-offs for the construction of not only cellulosic biomass ethanol plants, but also cellulosic feedstock development.”

This measure also extends a number of renewable energy production credits for wind and solar energy, and authorizes six billion dollars in tax-credit bonds to finance a clean energy infrastructure. The bill also includes provisions for reducing energy costs by offering incentives for commercial green building and residential energy efficiency programs. As a deficit-neutral measure, this bill complies with all PAYGO requirements per the rules of the House of Representatives, accelerating our renewable energy future at no cost to Americans. 

                                                                       ###