Swalwell Fights To Boost U.S. Investment in Renewable Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today introduced an amendment to raise the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) account by approximately $112 million, back to the FY 2014 level, and offsets the cost by reducing funding for fossil fuels. The EERE programs focus on renewable energy generation, sustainable transportation, and energy-saving homes, buildings, and manufacturing. The House was considering H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015. The amendment failed on a 172-245 vote.

"My amendment presented a clear choice: a forward-thinking energy policy focused on renewable energy and energy-efficiency or one that is frozen in the past of fossil fuels," said Swalwell. "Unfortunately, House Republicans chose the past over the future. We should be securing our energy independence and investing in better, safer, more affordable energy. Today's shortsighted decision puts that future at risk."