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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Hart, 202-226-8555

HERSETH SANDLIN STATEMENT ON ENERGY BILL PROGRESS

Washington, D.C., December 13, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin released the following statement regarding Senate passage of an amended Energy Bill:

“I’m pleased that the Senate has joined the House in taking this important step that moves our country closer to energy independence. I have been in contact with House leadership and they have assured me that the House will consider the Senate version of the Energy Bill next week. I am confident that we will have an Energy Bill on the President’s desk ready for his signature before the holidays.

“An important aspect of the House Energy bill that remained intact in the Senate is the increased Renewable Fuels Standard or RFS, requiring that at least 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels be used in this country by the year 2022. I have been working with my colleagues throughout the year to ensure that the 110th Congress adopts an increased RFS. That the RFS has earned overwhelming support in both the House and the Senate is a real victory, not only for the safety and security of America but for South Dakota’s producers and industry leaders as well.

“I was disappointed, however, that the Senate stripped out certain provisions from the original House bill such as tax incentives for developing and using renewable energy sources and the Renewable Electricity Standard. These provisions would have encouraged further development of wind energy in South Dakota and we will work once again for their inclusion in future energy legislation.”

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.