mr. chairman , i rise today to state my opposition to h.r. 6 , the energy policy act .  we can not simply seek more fossil fuel supplies and increase use of conventional energy sources as a long-term solution to improving the united states ' energy security .  instead of creating a truly comprehensive plan for addressing our energy needs , this legislation sets us on the wrong path , making us more reliant on oil than we already are .  it will not help consumers save on energy costs and it will not help the u.s. become energy independent .  this legislation sends us in the wrong direction by relying on the fuels of today to provide energy in the future .  we can not sacrifice investment in new , cleaner , domestic sources in order to pay $ 8.1 billion to oil producers in tax cuts and subsidies .  i am pleased to see that h.r. 6 does contain some encouraging provisions , such as increasing use of ethanol and biodiesel , but these provisions are far outweighed by the bill 's misguided support of oil .  we need to create new , clean , renewable resources for addressing our current and future needs and develop technology and programs that encourage conservation .  this legislation would allow the oil industry , currently experiencing some of its most profitable years , to further their reach through exploration in sensitive environments , such as the arctic national wildlife refuge , and the great lakes .  allowing such activities is misguided at best .  additionally , h.r. 6 takes mtbe producers off the hook for dirtying local drinking water supplies and passes the costs of the clean up to state and local government .  additionally , this legislation will not stabilize the electricity market .  one of the primary purposes of developing a comprehensive energy policy for the u.s. is to prevent another regional blackout and to prevent future enron-like scandals .  the legislation that was brought to the house floor exposes consumers to potential electricity scams by repealing the public utility holding company act ( pucha ) .  this measure was enacted to prevent companies like enron from holding monopolies and help consumers get justice when companies conspire to cheat .  the federal energy regulatory commission is not designed to effectively protect consumers .  in order to create a policy that looks to future needs and u.s. security , we can not rely on increased drilling and oil refineries .  we must look to methods to reduce our need for energy and expand the domestic and renewable resources available to us .  finding new , efficient , clean , renewable sources of energy is not just better than continuing down the path h.r. 6 sends us on , it is necessary for the security of the u.s . 