By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – By the year 2030, Americans are expected to be using 50 percent more electricity than today.
"We have to begin to address these issues now," said Congressman Fred Upton.
As Senior Member of Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, Upton is looking to complete the details of comprehensive legislation to address a good number of energy conservation proposals.
The congressman visited the Niles Daily Star, Tuesday to talk about a new energy bill he expects will receive full committee approval before the end of June.
He said the legislation will increase incentives with regard to alternative fuels including Ethanol, set out new fuel economy standards for both cars and trucks, will reduce the number of 'boutique fuels' required and will address concerns regarding electric grids.
"Currently, there are 24 to 30 different 'boutique' fuel blends used to clean up air quality. Transportation and storage difficulties add 10 cents a gallon, every year around Memorial Day," Upton said.
With the new legislation, he hopes to reduce the number of these blends needed to only four or five. This in turn he says should save the consumer at the pump.
Upton's bill will encourage the use of energy efficient light bulbs.
"If everyone used this kind of bulb, 65 billion kilowatts of energy per year could be saved. This is the equivalent of 80 coal fired electric plants per year. We are looking for the federal government to begin using only these bulbs as of October first. Wal-Mart has already converted to the use of these bulbs and states they save $8 million. McDonald's and Burger King are looking to convert soon," Upton said.
Upton says as senior member on the committee, he has a very good relationship with Congressman Rick Boucher, Democrat, Virginia.
"This is a very bi-partisan bill and I expect it to be on the fast track for passage," he said.
The bill contains provisions for new appliance standards along with what Upton calls "a number of different common sense proposals' to help Americans pocket more of the dollars earned.
Wednesday, Upton is meeting with the chairs of the 'Big Three' automakers: Ford, GM and Daimler Chrysler.
Along with the entire Michigan delegation to see what help might be offered to encourage the production of more fuel-efficient cars.
"I don't believe in unsupported mandates. They want to be cooperative. We need to look at the development of hybrids or crossovers. GM is making massive investments. I will do all I can to keep jobs here," Upton said.
Upton referred to the number of small businesses located in southwestern Michigan producing parts for the auto industry in addition to projects like the new Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor expected to double the city's tax base and bring thousands of jobs to the area.