Secretary Bodman Brings Hot Air on Energy Rhetoric to Richmond

This week, President Bush and members of his Cabinet are touring the country, trying to convince the American people that the Bush Administration is finally joining Democrats in working to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. As part of that effort, Energy Secretary Sam Bodman pitched the President's energy proposals in Richmond today.

Secretary Bodman's visit comes just one day after an attempt to cover up the layoff of 40 researchers at the National Renewable Energy Lab investigating the use of wind, biomass and ethanol as sources of energy, after the President promised in the State of the Union address to aggressively fund alternative energy research programs.

In a last minute effort to avoid political embarrassment, Secretary Bodman restored $5 million dollars in funding to get the workers back on the job. But, in true Bush Administration fashion, the remaining $23 million was not restored, creating a shortfall at the lab that continues to prevent research into renewable energy programs.

"It shouldn't surprise anyone that the President who let the oil and gas industry write the country's energy policy hasn't backed up his promise to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil with real action," said Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Amaya Smith. "Sadly, the President's credibility is running out of steam. Instead of sending his Energy Secretary to Richmond to pitch his hot air, President Bush should join Democrats in working to promote true energy independence by restoring funding for research into renewable sources of energy that will create jobs, enhance our national security, and keep our economy strong."

REPUBLICANS IGNORE VIRGINIA'S ENERGY NEEDS

As of January of this year, home heating costs were expected to increase by 63 percent in Virginia's region of the country, and gas prices had increased by 20 cents in Virginia since May of 2004, an increase of approximately 8 percent. [EIA, 1/06; AAA Fuel Gauge Report, 1/06 and 5/05] Republicans have failed to address high energy costs, passing an energy bill with billions of dollars in subsidies for big oil and gas companies. Now, the Bush Administration is refusing to call for extra funds for low-income home energy assistance (LIHEAP) this winter, even though the number of applicants for assistance has increased by 10,166 in Virginia. [National Energy Assistance Directors Association, 12/05]