mr. speaker , i rise in support of the rule and the bill . 
this legislation is perhaps the most important bill we will deal with in this session . 
the lack of a comprehensive energy plan is hurting our families and our economy . 
global energy demand is soaring , america 's natural resources are finite and flat , rising energy imports are driving record trade deficits as runaway energy costs drag down the u.s. economy . 
unless we implement a long-term , comprehensive energy plan , americans will pay even more to heat their homes , drive their cars to work , and feed their families and provide other essentials for our loved ones . 
for the members of this chamber , this bill is our opportunity to ensure a better future . 
the committee on energy and commerce , along with other committees of jurisdiction , have produced an energy bill that recognizes today 's needs while preparing for the future . 
to meet today 's energy needs , this legislation does several things . 
it expands the nation 's natural gas supply , primarily by clarifying the federal government 's role in lng facilities . 
it increases our supplies of gasoline and diesel by adding new refineries , limiting the number of specialty blends , and establishing a 5-billion-gallon renewable fuel standard . 
this energy bill adds diversity to our energy portfolio by encouraging more nuclear power , clean coal , and renewable energies . 
it doubles our efforts in energy conservation and efficiency , it reduces america 's dangerous dependence on foreign oil , and improves our nation 's electrical transmissions . 
but this energy bill looks beyond the horizon as well . 
by boosting the use of hydrogen fuel cells , microturbines , and other forms of new energy technologies , we can begin preparing to meet the energy demands of tomorrow . 
i was proud to work with my colleague from across the aisle , the gentleman from pennsylvania ( mr. doyle ) xz4001140 to double the authorized funding for this year 's hydrogen title . 
it is just one of many forward-thinking provisions in this legislation . 
the energy sector represents a $ 650 billion piece of the american economy . 
it is the engine that powers other sectors of the u.s. economy , and i urge my colleagues to vote `` yes '' on the rule and the bill . 
