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August 7, 2008

McHugh stresses need for energy independence

United States representative

proposes bill to cover one-third of fuel costs

By DAN HEATH

PLATTSBURGH -- U.S. Rep. John McHugh wants the country to fast-track efforts to wean itself from its dependence on foreign oil.

"I think we have to be as aggressive as we possibly can," he said at Wednesday's Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club meeting.

That includes development of multiple sources of alternative energy, such as wind, solar, nuclear and bio-diesel, as long as it's not grain based.

That way, if one form of energy is diminished, others are available to take up the slack.

Even fast-tracked, efforts would likely take 15 to 25 years, McHugh said. It would take 25 to 40 years if not done with urgency.

CONSERVATION

"Where we can, we need to mandate conservation," the congressman said.

That includes measures like fuel-economy standards for automakers, green-construction standards for public buildings and a gas-guzzler tax.

There should also be incentives for investment in fuel-efficiency and alternative-energy technology, McHugh said.

Any country would be hard pressed to have reached a more precarious situation in regard to energy, McHugh said.

The United States remains the only global superpower, yet is fully dependent on oil, and that oil comes from some dangerous and unpredictable sources, he said.

OIL RESERVES

McHugh said we are the only country that treats its oil reserves as an environmental liability rather than an economic opportunity. He said 85 percent of the country's available oil reserves are off-limits due to environmental issues.

That's why he has urged congressional leaders to lift environmental restrictions on developing oil reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Continental Shelf and on shale-oil exploration in the western United States.

If the United States could show it was going to develop those reserves within 10 years, the oil speculation bubble would collapse, McHugh said, noting the technology to develop those reserves in a more environmentally friendly manner has improved drastically.

He's in favor of opening the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve but voted against a proposal to do so two weeks ago because it had no plan for replenishing the reserve.

McHugh said the country apparently didn't learn from the oil crisis in the 1970s. At that time, it imported 45 percent of its oil, but that figure has since grown to 70 percent.

"The only thing that will make a difference is ensuring your elected representatives stick to it."

HOME-HEATING BILL

Energy issues are especially important in rural communities, where there is a lack of mass transportation. McHugh said that every time he returns home to Pierrepont Manor, he hears from constituents about the price of gas and fuel oil.

Heating a home is not optional, he said, especially in the North Country.

"It's a matter of life and death. People are scared, and they should be."

McHugh has introduced legislation to try to help. The Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief (HEATR) bill would give up to a $500 tax credit to individuals and families who face more than $1,500 in home-heating costs this winter. For those facing lower costs, it would provide a tax credit equal to one-third of their costs.

Individual tax filers who earn less than $50,000 and joint filers who earn less than $100,000 are eligible. Above that, the tax credits phase out at $60,000 and $110,000, respectively.

There is a limit of one credit per housing unit. It can be used only for fuel costs, including propane, natural gas, heating oil, kerosene, wood, wood pellets and electricity.

CLINTON PLAN

U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

"The North Country needs solutions when it comes to rising home-heating-oil prices -- and that's what I'm looking to provide," she said in a news release.

"Without additional assistance, too many New York families will be facing impossible choices between paying their heating bills and buying food, medicine or other necessities."

McHugh welcomed Clinton's legislation.

"I thank Senator Clinton for her commitment to working together to help residents across New York address the significant negative impact the projected rise in home-heating costs is going to have this winter.

"Congress needs to take action now, and the HEATR Act is one step in the right direction."

dheath@pressrepublican.com

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