GOP Proposal Creates Balanced, Comprehensive Alternative Energy Plan

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Today the House will approve a positive but incomplete bill to help reduce America 's dependence on foreign energy by stimulating the development of a few alternative fuel sources. House Republicans will offer a proposal to include the alternative technologies overlooked by the Democrats and make this a truly comprehensive bill for the research and development of all alternative fuels - not just a favored few.

The GOP proposal would also reduce consumer energy costs and create American jobs. Will Democrats join Republicans in voting to support the broader GOP alternative energy measure, or will they oppose it for purely partisan reasons?

By defining "coal-to-liquids" energy as an official alternative fuel, the Republican proposal will improve the bill brought to the floor by Democrats by allowing American researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs to take advantage of one of America 's greatest natural resources: coal. The bill being brought to the floor by Democrats excludes this key technology.

America has a 100 year supply of coal - that's nearly 30 percent of all the coal in the world or the equivalent of one trillion barrels of Saudi Arabian oil.

Coal-to-Liquids fuel generation is a proven technology that can transform coal into clean electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, and diesel and jet fuel.

A 2006 study by the National Coal Council, done at the request of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, shows that by 2025 the greater use of "coal-to-liquids" fuel will:

o Drive down energy costs for American consumers by 33 percent;

o Create 1.4 million new jobs; and

o Boost the U.S. economy by more than $3 trillion.

And a 2006 study by the Southern States Energy Board calls for energy independence by 2030 through coal-to-liquid fuel.

Republicans recognize that importing oil from unstable parts of the world not only undermines our national security - it costs every American household the equivalent of $20,000 per year. When coupled with 21st Century technologies, American coal will be an integral part of decreasing our dependence on foreign sources of energy, strengthening our national security, growing our economy, and creating new jobs.