Members of the House of Representatives may now debate the following question through Saturday, December 23rd.
Deputy Speaker Walsh shall preside.

Shall the House agree to the following bill?


*Text of bill and time for debate edited.

This post has been edited by 2sense on December 21, 2006 01:12 am

Mr. Speaker,

This bill is like a bad rash that just won't go away. "Clean" coal is the mother of all oxymorons. Research into removing the carbon emissions from burning coal so far has had no results. My God, we've already spend well over $4 Billion on researching ways to reduce the greenhouse gas released by burning coal and haven't got anywhere yet. Enough is enough.

This is a slap in the face for the many firms cropping up around the country that are actually producing innovative and sustainable energy solutions right now, and I urge my colleagues in the most earnest terms possible to reject this ridiculous ruse before us today.

I yield back the balance of my time.

nvm

This post has been edited by Big Al on December 05, 2006 06:45 pm

Mr. Speaker-

I could not agree more with the gentleman from California. "Clean coal" is a myth; there is no such thing. There is such a thing as "cleaner coal," but considering how harmful coal emissions are to begin with, "cleaner coal" really isn't much of an improvement.

Instead of wasting time and money on "cleaner coal," why don't we instead try to find real alternative energy sources that will provide our nation with a cheap, secure and environmentally sound energy source.

I cannot and will not support this legislation.

I yield.

Mr. Speaker,

I rise in support of this legislation. While I do agree with my distinguished colleagues when they say we need to support other forms of energy as well, I say we cannot turn our backs on coal. America has a bountiful and inexpensive supply of this natural resource. It can be used to meet some of our energy needs, and it can be used in a more environmentally friendly fashion than in the past. Coal represents one way we can lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and that's a pretty good reason to support this bill, I reckon.

Thank you, I yield.

Mr Speaker

I Object to this FILTH

I Yield

Mr. Speaker,

I move to amend Section 5(b) with the following:

I yield.

Mr. Speaker-

I second the amendment.

I yield.

Mr. Speaker,

Although the intentions of this bill are good, I am cautious to support it. Yes, we need to lessen our dependance on oil, but we already passed a bill through the house, sponsored by Mace Windu, that would fund all these alternative energy sources and enforce the CAFE standars. At this point, I don't think I can be supporting this bill or the amendment that was brough foward by the gentleman from California.

I yield the floor.

Mr. Speaker,

I agree with the gentleman from Florida. I don't see that this bill will be productive if it were passed. I am for seeking alternate energy sources as well. At this time, I do not see myself voting for this bill.

I yield.

Mr Speaker

The Gentleman from Florida raises a valid issue-this Bill is moot

I Yield

The amendment offered by the gentleman from California will now be heard.

By a vote of 19 yeas and 18 nays with 1 abstention and 1 disqualification, the amendment is agreed to. Debate resumes on the amended bill through Saturday, the 23rd.

The text of the bill has been edited.
Deputy Speaker Walsh shall continue to preside.

Mr. Speaker,

With the passage of thie amendment, I cannot, in my sound mind, support the passage of this legislation. Exploration for natural petrol resources in Northern Alaska, all be it an important policy to be discussed by sound unbiased minds, is not the exploration of coal within the same region. Although the amendment was ruled germane, that does not mean that I do not have my reservations regarding that ruling.
Therefore, I urge my fellow servants to the american people, that we should not pass a bill that would limit our ability to seek energy security within our lifetime.

I yield.