Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted for passage of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. It was approve by the U.S. House of Representatives and is designed to provide funding to help keep our air and water clean and put our nation on the path to energy independence.

“There are a number of factors that contribute to high gasoline prices including crude oil prices, refinery capacity, environmental regulations and consumer demand,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “The Energy and Water appropriations bill will fund solutions that move America toward energy independence.”

H.R. 5427, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 will provide the following:

· $5 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

· $24.373 billion dollars for the Department of Energy

o $4.132 billion to fully fund the American Competitiveness Initiative

o $2.0 billion for energy supply and conservation programs

o $1.3 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs - a 12% increase over the FY 2006 level, to support both short-term efforts to increase efficiency and realize savings immediately as well as long-term efforts to promote and sustain renewable energy independence

· $254.5 million for weatherization programs which includes:

o 65 percent increase for research on biomass energy;

o 78 percent increase for research and development on solar energy;

o 26 percent increase for hydrogen technology; and

o 12 percent increase for energy savings programs for the federal government.