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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 20th, 2005Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w) 212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 STATE
SENATORS LIZ KRUEGER, KEVIN PARKER AND COLLEAGUES CALL ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL AND INCREASE INVESTMENTS IN CLEAN ENERGY
SOURCES Says “State does not have authority to
resolve energy crisis” The Senate is reconvening
session today in order to vote on a variety of legislation that would grant
tax credits and cap the sales tax on gas prices. The Assembly has been holding a series of Hearings
on the energy crisis and have no plans to reconvene
until January. Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn), the Ranking Democratic Member of the Energy &
Telecommunications Committee, criticized the Senate Majority for their feeble
attempts at addressing the energy crisis.
“These proposals are a quick fix to a problem that is going to require
a coordinated effort between the federal government and state governments,”
said Senator Parker. “Their plan (to cap the State’s portion of
the gas tax) will probably do little to solve its intended purpose. There’s really nothing to stop the gas
companies from raising their costs again, and hitting the pockets of working
New Yorkers again.” Senators Krueger and Parker cited a long list of facts that illustrate the complete
lack of regulation of the energy industry:
The recently signed federal
Energy Policy Act of 2005 only makes matters worse, according to Senator Krueger. The legislation provided tens of billions
of dollars in subsidies and tax breaks to the oil, gas, coal, and nuclear
industries, while weakening environmental and consumer protections. Most
importantly it failed to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, failed to
make any significant new investments in clean energy, and failed to protect
consumers from the escalating cost of fuel. Meanwhile, this year Senators Krueger and Parker made a series
of suggestions about ways to resolve the energy crisis through a resolution proposed
before the Senate today. The
resolution, which passed unanimously, read, “the federal government should
substantially increase investment in the research and development of
alternative sources of energy, including wind, solar, geothermal and biomass
power; create a federal renewable portfolio standard that requires
electricity providers to include a minimum level of clean energy resources in
the electricity mix they deliver to consumers; expand the renewable-energy
production credit to make renewable energy cost-competitive for consumers;
introduce greater energy efficiency standards for appliances, heating
equipment and electrical transformers; and end tax breaks and subsidies for
non-renewable energy resources.” Senator Krueger also criticized Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s plan to create a
“Senior Heat” program to provide one-time rebate checks of $200 or more to
seniors who are eligible for the Enhanced STAR property tax program. “This proposal sounds good on paper,”
remarked Senator Krueger, “but it
would only provide assistance to seniors who own homes. Essentially, seniors who need these funds
the most – those who rent (not own) and fail to receive the STAR tax credit –
will be punished.” “The Senate Majority feels
the need to address the energy crisis and I commend them for their call to
action,” remarked Senator Krueger. “Yet we must be rational in these
situations and work towards crafting legislation that will work to solve the
problem, not merely place a band-aid on it.
Today’s session will be remembered as an extended press conference in
which one-house bills were passed. Why
are we showing up for just one day, passing one-house bills, then wasting gas
to drive back home. We should stay in
session until we get something done.” -30- |
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