House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

May 31, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

DEMOCRATS REJECT REPUBLICAN CONSUMER ENERGY SAVINGS PLAN

 

HARTFORD – With Democrats stalled on any energy bill to aid ratepayers, House Republicans tonight put forth a compromise amendment on the floor of the House to provide consumer relief through efficiencies and conservation and changes in electrical generation.

 

The Democratic-controlled House at 9:15 p.m. blocked debate through a parliamentary procedure that killed the amendment on a near party line 101-45 vote. Meanwhile, Democrats met behind closed doors.  

 

The House Republicans alternative includes numerous areas of nearly universal agreement even as Democratic leaders continued to squabble behind closed doors in an attempt to revive competing versions of the so far failed year-long effort to arrive at a meaningful compromise.

 

“Time is up. We’ve been told time and time again we can’t rush into anything. We have identified vast areas of agreement that could have been passed in January and help consumers weather the heating season,’’ said House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. of Norwalk. “Now people are putting in their air conditioners and that’s going to cost them even more. It’s a shame we’ve missed so many opportunities.’’

 

One of the Republican alternative measures in the amendment highlights areas of broad agreement in both the competing House and Senate bills that have been circulating around the Capitol for months and could be approved immediately in both chambers:

 Conservation:

·        Restore previously raided conservation funds;

·        Offer an air conditioner/ furnace replacement program;

·        Expand “Green Buildings’’ program for state projects.

Generation:

 Energy Taxes:

Make permanent tax exemptions for weatherization products as well compact fluorescent lights and create property and sales tax exemptions for hybrid vehicles and those with 40 mpg ratings.