Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, first of all, I wanted to rebut what was just said by my colleague on our committee from the other side. The reality is that this bill is designed with the hope that we can come to a consensus on an energy package with the Senate on a bipartisan basis. In fact, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Joe Manchin are putting together an emergency package, which is not exactly the same as this, but the idea would be that we would have some kind of informal conference and actually adopt a bill that we have a consensus on before the end of this session. I will point out that we actually worked very hard to try to do that 2 years ago and came very close to accomplishing it. So I don't want anyone here to think that this is a message vehicle. This is a vehicle that is exactly designed to try to reach an agreement on an energy package, albeit not a big one, that we could actually get signed into law by the end of the year. Madam Speaker, I also want to rebut the idea--somehow there is always this suggestion that when you do anything on our side of the aisle that it is not helping create more jobs. The reality is this bill is designed to do exactly that, to create more jobs. The bill supports the energy industry by providing resources for projects, jobs, and technology interests, which are looking forward and necessary for the energy transition. Clean energy, renewables, and energy efficiency sectors employ millions of Americans. As demand for these technologies increases and as prices decrease, these sectors will continue to grow. However, COVID-19 has harmed energy jobs across the board. Delayed or canceled projects, as well as social distancing, have particularly affected clean energy jobs and energy efficiency jobs. So this bill supports the necessary sectors by investing in technologies and jobs that are future-looking and can meet the challenge of climate change. My colleagues on the other side keep thinking of the energy sector as something that is totally oriented toward fossil fuels. The reality is that other countries, and us, we have to move toward a clean energy economy that creates jobs. This bill includes workforce provisions that help provide training and transition resources for the energy sector. The bill includes Chairman Rush's Blue Collar to Green Collar Jobs Development Act that establishes a nationwide program at the Department of Energy to improve education and energy- related industries. It trains underserved groups, including women, minorities, veterans, and unemployed energy workers, for energy careers. It supports the industries and jobs we need to navigate the energy transition. Again, I am not someone who says that we are only going to have certain energy sectors. We are going to need everything. But the bottom line is, we do have to think that, in the future, there is going to be a lot more in the clean energy sector than solar and wind. If we don't start investing in and promoting the technologies, we are going to be left behind, and we are going to lose jobs. This helps us gain those jobs. I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, what I get from the other side of the aisle is that somehow they think we are going to live in splendid isolation here. I mean, that might have been nice in the 19th century or the 18th century, or whenever, but that is not the reality of today. The reality is we are in constant competition around the world. And while other countries move towards a clean economy--whether it is Europe, Japan, whatever it is--they are then investing--not just them, China, India--they are then investing in these new technologies. And if I could use solar energy as an example: If we had taken the initiative a few years ago to actually invest in solar panels and wind turbines and the technologies that were coming about, we would have been able to sell a lot more of those panels and those turbines around the world and also use them for our own clean economy or clean initiatives. Instead, we didn't, and now most of the solar panels are built in China, exported to the United States. You cannot fall behind. If you fall behind in these technologies, then you are not going to be competitive, and you are going to lose out on this race, and you are going to have fewer jobs. You can't just put your head in the sand, like some kind of ostrich, and say to the rest of the world, We don't care, it doesn't matter. It does matter. And all we are saying in this bill--and this is not the type of overall major climate bill that we would have to do eventually--this is a down payment. And the idea is to look at certain things that we can do now to invest in technology, to look at innovation so that we don't fall behind, and we create the clean jobs of the future. In addition to that, the bill deals with energy efficiency, which is something that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have never opposed--more resiliency. These are things that are important to deal with the climate changes that have occurred, to deal with the wildfires, to deal with the hurricanes, so that our grid and everything is more resilient and we can deal with the impact of the climate crisis. Madam Speaker, I know that I am not going to be able to convince most Republicans to support this. I am hoping that some will, and I am hoping that when we get this passed and we have conversations with the Senate, that we can actually do some kind of down payment in terms of creating the clean jobs of the future. And then in the next session of Congress, we will do a much larger initiative dealing with climate change. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am certainly sympathetic to this idea that we have to do more manufacturing here and not rely on overseas, but I believe very strongly that is what this bill is all about. It accomplishes the goal of moving forward with clean energy innovation and technology and bringing more manufacturing here. And I believe the amendment, this en bloc amendment, will not help in that regard and, in fact, makes this a bill less prone to accomplish the goal of clean energy and job creation. Madam Speaker, I would urge opposition to the en bloc amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1129, I call up the bill (H.R. 4447) to establish an energy storage and microgrid grant and technical assistance program.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the Energy and Commerce portion of this debate. I find it strange, Madam Speaker, that the Republicans pose as the defenders of fiscal responsibility and lowering the deficit when they have what I consider a dismal track record on that issue. In 2017, they rushed through a tax bill that only rewarded the wealthiest while drowning our children's future in a sea of debt. What do Republicans do when they create deficits by cutting taxes without paying for it? They propose cuts to existing programs and reject funding for initiatives that benefit everyday Americans. To be clear, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill would add a whopping zero dollars to the deficit. I stress that again: zero dollars to the deficit. But if the Republicans are so intent on talking about costs, they ought to look at the cost of climate inaction and the economic harm of letting our competitors lead the global clean energy technology race. By the end of the century, lost wages from climate-related damages will reach $155 billion; mortality from extreme temperatures will surpass $140 billion; and coastal property damage will approach $120 billion. All told, the U.S. economy could lose more than 10 percent of its GDP. The economic benefits of action, in contrast, are significant: limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will yield more than $20 trillion in global economic benefits annually in the same timeframe. The bill before us lays a strong foundation for reaching these scientifically set climate targets. Meanwhile, House Republicans are using tired gimmicks to argue about a deficit they created, a claim the CBO has thoroughly debunked. If we continue to entertain these tried and true delay tactics, we are going to lose the global clean energy race and ensure the worst effects of climate change. We will saddle our economy and generations to come with the cost of extreme weather and reduce economic productivity. This is already happening, Madam Speaker. But if we reduce our carbon pollution and invest in clean energy technologies, then we can both protect our environment and grow our economy. We can lead the world in energy innovation and lead our allies in addressing the climate crisis. Now, it has been 13 years since Congress last passed major energy legislation. Since then, the world has changed. Our energy needs have evolved. Technologies have matured, and the need for climate action has become urgent. The policies that govern how we produce, transport, store, and use energy are outdated. Our energy infrastructure is in desperate need of modernization, and Federal investments in energy- related research, development and deployment aren't meeting the needs of the 21st century. We need to transition to a clean, low-carbon economy, and that requires major investments and reforms to U.S. energy policy. Madam Speaker, this bill, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, includes a broad suite of measures to enable that transition in a way that creates jobs, reduces pollution and unleashes American innovation. The scope of the legislation--I know there have been comments about the size of the bill--the scope of this bill reflects our commitment to delivering ambitious and long overdue upgrades to our Nation's energy system. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues, given what we are faced with today, please, this is why both sides of the aisle should support the underlying bill. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko), who is the chairman of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), the chair of our Health Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney), also a member of our committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stanton).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material on H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. This bill is a comprehensive package that will spur clean energy innovation, electrify our transportation sector, make homes and businesses more energy efficient, and modernize our electric grid. The Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act presents practical and achievable clean energy policies that are possible for us to achieve this year. This legislation lays the groundwork for important and comprehensive future climate policy. The main goal of this energy package is to move provisions we believe have a chance at becoming law this Congress after negotiations with the Senate. Senators Murkowski and Manchin, who lead the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, have been working on their own energy package in the Senate. H.R. 4447 sets new energy efficiency standards for buildings and funds grants to local communities for more efficient schools, homes, and municipal buildings. This is an inexpensive way to save energy and reduce electricity bills for homeowners and businesses, and it has broad support. This legislation also supports the development and deployment of clean, renewable, and distributed resources, like solar and wind energy, which are crucial to reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. It also supports the transmission projects needed to move clean energy around the country. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the clean energy sector was booming. Last year, clean energy jobs grew at twice the rate of overall jobs, and as of January, more than 3 million Americans were employed in these jobs. It is critical that the clean energy industry recover this same momentum to secure America's clean energy leadership. These investments will result in new, good-paying American jobs all across the country. Every million dollars invested in clean energy and energy efficiency produces seven to eight jobs. That is roughly three times as many as investment in fossil fuels. The transition to a clean energy future also depends upon upgrading our transportation infrastructure to support and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, or EVs. This legislation invests more than $36 billion to help speed up the electrification of our transportation sector and make EVs an option for more communities. It also authorizes funding for clean school buses, electric vehicle charging equipment, and other zero-emission vehicle programs. Madam Speaker, this legislation also addresses environmental justice by establishing and reauthorizing grant programs for impacted communities to better participate in the environmental decisions in their backyards. It also increases information sharing so communities can be better informed about the risks in their neighborhoods. And it updates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to increase opportunities for legal relief. This is a critical start to addressing the disproportionate burden faced by environmental justice communities around the Nation. Finally, Madam Speaker, this legislation includes a critical bipartisan provision that phases out the use of hydrofluorocarbons, a super pollutant. It has strong support on both sides of the aisle, including environmental and public health groups, the entire heating and cooling industry, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers. It is one of the most important steps we can take now to create manufacturing jobs and boost our competitiveness while protecting our environment. I close by thanking the Energy Subcommittee Chairman Rush for his leadership in moving many of the bills included in this package through the Energy and Commerce Committee, many with strong bipartisan support. I also thank Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Chairman Grijalva for their critical contributions to this package and also Representative Tom O'Halleran for being the bill's lead sponsor. Madam Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation that will modernize our energy system, create jobs, and take positive steps toward addressing the climate crisis. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, September 15, 2020. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Pallone: I am writing you concerning H.R. 4447, the ``Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019,'' which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and then to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (``Science Committee'') on September 20, 2019. As a result of our consultation, I agree to work cooperatively on H.R. 4447 and in order to expedite consideration of the bill the Science Committee will waive formal consideration of this legislation. However, this is not a waiver of any future jurisdictional claims by the Science Committee over the subject matter contained in H.R. 4447 or similar legislation. I also request that you support my request to name members of the Science Committee to any conference committee to consider this legislation. Additionally, thank you for your assurances to include a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter in the committee report for H.R. 4447 and in the Congressional Record during floor consideration thereof. Sincerely, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from California.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, may I ask how much time is remaining.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our majority leader, who has prioritized this bill and shepherded it to the floor.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor), who chairs the Select Committee on Climate Crisis and is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, may I ask how much time remains on each side?

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ruiz), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4866, the National Centers of Excellence in Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Act. Continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing is the future of medicine. This bipartisan bill, which I introduced with Representative Guthrie last year, will foster the development of continuous manufacturing technology, a more nimble and efficient mode of pharmaceutical production. It does this by expanding opportunities for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to partner with universities across the country that are leading these efforts and create Centers of Excellence for Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. The partnerships created by the legislation will help develop continuous manufacturing technology and standardization, develop a continuous manufacturing workforce here in the United States, and make recommendations for how FDA, industry, and others can expand the use of continuous manufacturing for drugs and biologics. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how the outdated batch manufacturing process adds to the potential for supply chain issues. During the initial stages of the outbreak in New Jersey, I heard from health providers in my district about their inability to access commonly used and critically needed medication, including medication necessary for the use of ventilators, due to surges in demand. H.R. 4866 will help prevent supply chain interruptions like these by increasing domestic manufacturing and allowing manufacturers to more quickly adjust to sudden shifts in demand. As Dr. Janet Woodcock, the Director for the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at FDA told the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health last year, advance manufacturing technologies-- such as continuous manufacturing--can help to ``reduce the Nation's dependence on foreign sources of [active pharmaceutical ingredients], increase the resilience of our domestic manufacturing base, and reduce quality issues that trigger drug shortages or recalls.'' In other words, by passing this bill and expanding continuous manufacturing technology in the United States, we can avoid future drug shortages and other supply chain interruptions, while bringing jobs back to the United States. This will help those on the frontlines battling COVID-19 and the patients who are depending on them. I want to thank Representative Guthrie for working with me on this bill and demonstrating the collegial and bipartisan spirit of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I urge all members to support this important legislation.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 2271, the Scarlett's Sunshine on Unexpected Death Act. This legislation is critical to improving our understanding of sudden unexpected infant death. Tragically, sudden unexpected infant death is the leading cause of death for infants from one month to one year of age. As we discuss the Scarlett's Sunshine on Unexpected Death Act, I want to recognize all the parents who have turned their unimaginable grief into progress and whom I have had the immense pleasure of working with throughout the years. This effort would not have been possible without parents like Laura Crandel, who tragically lost her daughter Maria, and John Kahan who lost his son Aaron to sudden unexpected infant death. I have been working on the issue of sudden unexplained infant death and sudden unexplained death in childhood for years now. In 2014, I was fortunate enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with courageous moms like Laura as President Obama signed the Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act into law. Today's bill builds upon these longstanding efforts by further strengthening our existing understanding of sudden unexpected deaths in infants and children, facilitating greater data collection and analysis to improve prevention efforts, and supporting grieving parents and families who have lost their son or daughter. This bill takes a comprehensive approach to addressing one of the most tragic issues facing families today, and will help develop and deploy critical services to support them in their time of need. I am proud of the efforts in this bill to not only further the science but also support the families who have been impacted. While nothing can cure their pain, these programs will support families in their darkest hours. I will continue to work on this issue until no more parents lose their child to SIDS, and I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn action taken by the People's Republic of China, or PRC, in the Ladakh region of India that led to deadly clashes between the two countries on June 15. Since the truce in 1962, the PRC and India have been divided by a 2,100-mile-long Line of Actual Control. In the months leading up to this clash, the PRC military reportedly amassed about 5,000 soldiers along this boundary, and that clearly meant to redraw longstanding settled borders by force and aggression. A skirmish, unsurprisingly, broke out on June 15 as a direct result of these troop movements, leaving at least 20 Indian soldiers and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers dead. This intentional encroachment and escalatory tactics used by the PRC are consistent with other provocative actions its forces have taken throughout South and Southeast Asia. To counter this aggression, I am glad that the House of Representatives passed an amendment that I cosponsored with Congressman Krishnamoorthi that calls on China to cease its military aggression and urges immediate diplomatic action to prevent any further escalation of conflict. I will continue to work with my colleagues here in Congress to find ways to help bolster our vital relationship with India.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Spanberger).