April 30, 2015

This week, the House will take up H.R. 2028, the FY 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. This legislation will provide funds for several agencies and programs, including the Department of Energy. Earlier, the American Energy Alliance released Eight Ways to Rein in DOE Spending to guide the House as it considers this legislation. AEA will score several amendments that used these recommendations to reel in wasteful and unnecessary government spending. This amendment, and others that may be considered or voted on, will be included in our American Energy Scorecard.

Byrne Amendment (See AEA recommendations #3) – This amendment would cut funding for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The role of this office is to promote and subsidize “clean energy” as determined by government bureaucrats. However, the government should not be in the business of trying to commercialize products and services it deems “clean”. This amendment would significantly reduce the role of government and therefore increase the role of the American people in making energy decisions. The total savings of this amendment would be $1.6 billion.

AEA urges Members to support these amendments. These cuts are sensible, achievable reductions that would benefit all Americans. Yes is the PRO-TAXPAYER, PRO-FREE-MARKET, & PRO-FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY vote.