TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July 9, 2004

HR 3890 to reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988

BRIEF

  The steel and aluminum manufacturing industries are large consumers of energy and the manufacturing processes add greatly to the release of Carbon Dioxide (the primary emission that increases global warming) into the atmosphere.

   Although there is a competitiveness program in the National Institute for Science and technology it is not active and the committee sees the bill’s dictates being carried out under the Dept. of Energy. As such, the priorities for the DOE would emphasize development of advanced sheet and bar steels and technologies that reduce greenhouse emissions.

   As a major user of energy and a major emitter of greenhouse gases the steel, copper and aluminum industry would, if using energy efficient procedures, would make smaller demands for energy thereby reducing overall demand and perhaps lowering prices. Efficiency would also translate into lower prices and better competition in the World markets for US metal manufacturers. Consequently, the committee sees those attributes as leading to an expanded industry in the US and more jobs here.

Sponsor: Rep. Melissa A. Hart (R-PA-4^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote (July 7, 2004)  

Cost to the taxpayers: The bill would authorize $93 million through 2009. CBO estimates that $73 million would be appropriated for that period. $10 million would go to technology research and development that would lower greenhouse gas emissions. ## All Rights Reserved. No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.