H.Res. 58 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 58 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 6, 2013 Mr. Latta submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any comprehensive plan to reform our national energy policy must promote the expanded use of renewable and alternative energy sources; increase our domestic refining capacity; promote conservation and increased energy efficiency; expand research and development, including domestic exploration; and enhance consumer education. Whereas the United States consumes roughly an average of 18,949,000 barrels of oil per day; Whereas the global average of daily oil consumption stands at 87,421,000 barrels of oil per day; Whereas the United States total annual energy consumption is approximately 94.547 quadrillion BTU, with the global total annual energy consumption at 482.872 quadrillion BTU; Whereas the United States share of world energy consumption is projected to fall from 19.5 percent in 2009 to 14.8 percent in 2035; Whereas according to the International Energy Agency, China surpassed the United States in energy consumption in 2009 and the Energy Information Administration projects China’s energy consumption to exceed that of the United States between the years 2015 and 2020; Whereas the United States has an estimated 235-year coal reserve, coal is the most abundant and efficient domestic fuel source, and processes such as gasification and liquefaction offer cleaner alternatives for utilizing this resource; Whereas renewable sources of energy account for 8.090 quadrillion BTU per year in the United States; and Whereas such sources such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, nuclear, solar, and wind need and deserve our attention and the necessary resources to encourage their commercial viability: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that in order to meet our Nation’s growing long-term energy demands and maintain our economic viability in the world marketplace, the following must be addressed in any comprehensive and economically viable energy bill considered by the 113th Congress: (1) Taking advantage of our abundant domestic coal supply. (2) Using recent technological innovations to exploit our vast supply of natural gas. (3) Increasing our domestic oil production and refining capacity. (4) Expanding use of renewable and alternative energy sources, with a focus on nuclear energy. (5) Promoting and providing incentives for an increase in conservation and energy efficiency. (6) Expanding and promoting additional research and development through new and innovative methods such as public-private partnerships. (7) Enhancing consumer awareness and education regarding methods to increase energy efficiency and available alternative fuel sources to reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.