Washington, D.C.– Today during floor debate for the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) spoke in opposition to an amendment that was offered that would have limited the ability of the Department of Defense to use alternative energy. Below is a transcript of her remarks, or for video, click here.
I stand today opposed to this amendment as the Representative of Fort Drum, an Army post that is 100% energy independent and self-sustainable, relying solely on biomass energy.
Unfortunately, this amendment would impede military facilities like Drum from continuing to pursue energy solutions that enhance national security, training capabilities and operational flexibility.
Fort Drum and the North Country serve as models for operating government facilities more efficiently—where ReEnergy, our alternative energy partner, positively affects the Army and has created 300 plus jobs throughout our community.
Providing our military with resilient energy ensures our servicemembers remain able to respond to any threat at any time.
DoD’s use of alternative energy strengthens their ability to conduct combat operations, humanitarian response and protects our national security.
I urge my colleagues to vote NO on this amendment, which would have detrimental effects on alternative energy technologies that make our troops safer, increase combat effectiveness and severely undercut programs like those at Fort Drum.
I yield back.
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