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Green Bay, WI -- Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. convened a meeting of his Energy Advisory Committee today at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. The advisory committee is made up of local business and industry leaders and will explore the impact and implication of the current energy situation.
“Working together we will build an energy independent future for all of us,” said Kagen. “I am working hard to ease rising gas prices and seeking the advice and counsel of those who work in the energy industry as well as those who are adapting their businesses to survive with these energy prices.”
Last week, Kagen unveiled his three-point energy plan: 1. Drill for new oil here in America; 2. Invest in every source of renewable energy while promoting energy conservation and efficiency; 3. Prevent manipulation of oil prices in our free markets.
“It took decades for us to get into this mess, and the way forward will not be easy or quick. We must begin to think differently in Washington and consider a number of measures to ease oil prices in the short term and reduce our dependence on oil in the long-term,” said Kagen.
Kagen voted for the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act, also known as “use it or lose it”, which would bar companies from obtaining any additional federal leases for drilling unless they are producing oil and gas from the leases they already hold or are about to do so. Kagen also voted for the Energy Markets Emergency Act, which would direct the Commodities Future Trading Commission to investigate conditions in energy futures markets to eliminate excessive speculation and price distortions. Kagen co-sponsored the Consumer Oil Price Protection Act, which would prevent excessive speculation in oil markets by limiting participation to those who are actually are able to produce, manufacture or take possession of the oil they buy.
City and county leaders said local governments need help in dealing with rising energy costs.
"It's frustrating because as a city we have no incentive to look at alternative fuel vehicles," said Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna. "Under our levy limits, it’s difficult to justify higher upfront costs (for those vehicles.)"
Hanna said the financial impact of higher energy costs could affect the city's credit rating as the city dips further into its contingency fund. "Our credit rating is not only a source of pride, it's a source of saving for our taxpayers."
Many in attendance called on government to take the lead in finding the answers.
"Congress and the President need to develop a comprehensive energy policy," said Paul Jadin of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, who praised Congressman Kagen's efforts to increase domestic drilling.
Those attending Congressman Kagen’s Energy Advisory Committee included:
Paul Jadin, Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Landin, Wisconsin Paper Council
Tom Hinz, Brown County Executive
Tim Hanna, Mayor of Appleton
Lee Allinger, Appleton Area School District
Tony Vanderbloemen, Green Bay Area Labor Council
Deborah Wetter, Valley Transit
Dave Lisle, Wausaukee Composite
Jay Stoflet, Renew Fuels/Utica Energy
Mike Koel, U.S. Oil
Chris Phelps, Green Bay Transit
Sandy Duckett, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
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