Weller statement on President Bush’s State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Jerry Weller (R-Morris) this evening issued the following statement in reaction to the President’s State of the Union Address:

"The President touched on issues relating to Americans’ pocketbooks and their national security, and one issue that covers both: increasing our energy independence.

"Promoting biofuels has been a decades-long priority of mine, as I believe we need to replace imported oil with homegrown biofuels like ethanol from corn and biodiesel from soybeans.  Growing our energy at home makes us less reliant on unstable or unfriendly governments from which we currently buy oil.

"I was pleased to hear the President include a call for an increase in the production and consumption of biofuels.    While the President’s remarks focused primarily on petroleum and automobiles, I propose a broader approach to energy independence.

"The need for non-fossil fuels is more than just a cost or security issue.  I’m one who is concerned about our environment as it relates to climate change, and believe we can grow our energy independence in a cost effective way, while protecting our environment, and produce jobs here at home while we do it.

"I plan to introduce a bundle of legislation in this session that will help our nation take steps toward energy independence.  It builds upon the progress made in the 2005 energy bill, which is creating the climate for new investment and job creation in our district in the energy sector. 

"My legislation includes a Renewable Portfolio Standard, so that 25 percent of the nation’s total energy comes from non-fossil fuels by the year 2025.  This means further investments in technologies such as wind and solar power.  Already, firms have placed a billion dollars in new investment in wind farms in our district.  My legislation makes permanent the tax incentives to produce renewable energy, including wind and solar energy, so that such investment may continue.

"We also need to encourage our scientists to find the next generation of energy solutions.  My legislation includes authorization for funding for research into renewable fuels like cellulosic ethanol, so that we won’t have to choose between using our resources for fuel or for food.

"Our nation prospers when it uses its own resources and ingenuity to solve its problems.  Increasing our self-reliance when it comes to energy increases our national security, creates jobs, and can protect the environment.  I urge my colleagues to join the President and work in a bi-partisan way to make energy security a priority.”

Courtesy of Andy Fuller,  Communications Director for Congressman Weller

116 N. Chicago St., Ste. 101, Joliet, IL 60432, 815.723.1800,
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