Members of the US House of Representatives discuss a new energy plan.
U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-LaCrosse) says the so-called Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act would, among other things, invest in wind, solar, and natural gas through tax incentives and infrastructure development. And that would create a lot of jobs.
The measure would open up additional offshore areas for drilling — 100 miles from the coast, and just 50 with the state's consent. But, Republicans say that would leave a lot of oil out of reach. But Kind says 80% of the off shore drilling area is already available to drill, that's why they've included within the bill a provision called, "use it or lose it."
The plan also calls for the release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; it requires that 15 percent of America's energy comes from renewable sources by 2020; it would end subsidies to the five largest oil companies — at a time when oil companies enjoy record profits; and the plan would require oil companies to develop leases they already own or lose them. Republican Congressman Paul Ryan (Janesville) says, this is "more hot air from congress," calling the bill "a hoax" with no opportunity for compromise.