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Issue
Should PIA support the passage of a national energy policy?
Status
The United States enjoyed unprecedented economic prosperity during the
last century due to relatively inexpensive, reliable energy supplies.
However, we are far from guaranteeing our own energy needs without developing
new generation and transmission facilities in this country or relying
on often unstable foreign sources.
- In Fall
2000, the House passed comprehensive energy legislation that would be
a significant step forward in ensuring our energy security. The major
elements include the following:
- Provide
energy assistance to low-income households
- Improve
energy efficiency
- Assure
adequate energy supplies and generation
- Renew
and expand the energy infrastructure
- Encourage
investment in new technology
- Address
the impact on the environment
- Seek
new conservation methods
The Senate
recently passed legislation that was much more limited and focused more
on renewable resources and low-income assistance. Major issues, mostly
surrounding electricity restructuring and liability issues remain to be
resolved.
Concerns
PIA members, other businesses, and homeowners are affected by the price
and availability of electric power and fossil fuels. Facing an uncertain
energy future, the industry believes it must work to develop and implement
a market-based national energy policy that uses all forms of energy to
meet consumer demand for reliable energy at reasonable prices. Conservation
and the consequences for the environment should not be ignored in these
discussions.
Position
PIA supports the development of a national energy policy that seeks a
proper balance between ensuring reliable energy supplies, encouraging
conservation, and limiting the impact on the environment. In addition,
PIA should seek collaboration with equipment suppliers to reduce the energy
consumption needs of printing equipment, lighting, and infrastructure
such as a/c, heating and ventilation.
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