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This week I had the privilege of meeting with the Kentucky Association of Elementary School Principals and the Kentucky Association of Secondary School Principals in Washington, D.C., to discuss education policy. We also discussed how the current energy crisis is affecting school districts throughout Kentucky. Pictured with me above are Tracey Lamb, Principal of North Bullitt High School, and Dr. Rosie Young, Executive Director of KAESP. Dr. John Ansman, Principal of Tully Elementary, and Don Turner, Executive Director of KASSP, also participated in the meeting.
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Weekly Column: Second "Use It or Lose It" Bill is More of the Same
Our nation's energy crisis has resulted primarily from one fundamental economic concept: supply and demand. Over the past three decades, we have ignored repeated warnings that our energy supply would not always be reliable and affordable. Instead, we have allowed partisan paralysis to hinder efforts to increase and diversify our domestic supply of energy.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global demand for oil in 2007 was 86 million barrels a day, while the global supply of oil was 85.5 million barrels. The IEA also estimates that the world's primary energy needs will more than double by 2030. We must implement a comprehensive strategy that will promote responsible development of our domestic energy resources while actively exploring alternative fuels and investing in research for future fuel technologies.
Many in the House and Senate have proposed legislation that outline a variety of solutions to increase our fuel supplies and lower gas prices for the American people. Unfortunately, Congress remains at a standstill as the Leadership continues to push legislation that creates headlines instead of additional energy. Last week, they reincarnated the redundant "Use It or Lose It" bill (H.R. 6251) in H.R. 6515, The Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008.
However, just like the original "Use It or Lose It" bill, H.R. 6515 does not adequately address increased supply and is already the law of the land. Oil and gas producers already operate under strict regulations and time limits for their leases; if the leased territory contains significant oil or gas reserves that are not being extracted, the lease will be canceled. Instead of expediting Americans' access to their domestic resources, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008 would increase the red-tape surrounding energy exploration.
Additionally, the new bill includes language to "speed up" development of the energy resources in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve (NPR-A), a 24 million acre area in the Alaska North Slope that the U.S. Geological Service estimates could produce 10.6 billion barrels of oil. However, NPR-A has been open for exploration since 1999; this legislation merely increases the number of lease opportunities.
NPR-A's oil is spread thinly across the region, so production is inefficient, difficult and expensive. Each acre in NPR-A contains an average of 440 barrels of oil. By way of comparison, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) could produce between 10 and 16 billion barrels of oil, with each acre yielding an average of 5,475 barrels.
If we plan to solve our nation's energy crisis in a timely and efficient manner, we must explore all our options, from ANWR to hydrogen fuel to nuclear power. As demand for energy continues to outpace supply, it is past time to implement real solutions for the American people. We must unite and surpass partisan politics to develop a comprehensive energy strategy that will efficiently use our domestic resources in the short term while laying the groundwork to make alternative energy sources clean, safe and affordable for the future.
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D.C. and District Talk
Letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging votes on energy issues
Last week, I signed the following letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that I wanted to share with you.
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Office of the Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Madam Speaker:
Your letter to the President urging him to draw down oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve signals your recent recognition that the solution to today's high energy prices is to increase supply in the market. That is why we ask that you immediately schedule legislation to allow Members of this body to vote for increasing American supplies of energy.
As you have come to realize, supply really does affect the price consumers pay at the pump, however, we do not share your optimism that releasing "a small portion" of SPR oil would noticeably affect either world oil markets or the price of a gallon of gasoline. The three prior instances you cited in which drawing down the SPR seemed to alleviate momentary price spikes all involved temporary supply shortages. That is hardly the case today. Economists agree that today's high prices are driven by demand shock, and they also agree that world demand, high as it is today, will only continue growing regardless of what the United States does with the SPR. Successfully attacking this problem requires a sustained increase in American energy production.
You stated in your letter to the President that "deploying a small portion of the resources in the SPR would provide much needed assistance to American consumers." Can you imagine what an act of Congress, signed into law this year, to develop millions of barrels per day in Alaska, the Intermountain West, and in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf would do?
Madam Speaker, the more environmentally conscientious countries in the world-from Scandinavia to Japan-have no qualms about developing their own energy resources, including in the waters off their own coasts. They understand this basic reality: withholding oil and gas will not alter world demand. Withholding oil may only displace production to countries with lower environmental standards than our own.
The "severe energy price crisis facing millions of Americans," referenced in your letter compels congressional action. We have provided a list of some of the many bills introduced this Congress that if enacted would increase supplies and reduce prices for consumers.
- Access OCS - (HR 6108)
- Access ANWR - (HR 6107)
- Alternative Fuels for Defense and Aviation - (HR 6131)
- Boutique Fuels - (HR 2493)
- Coal-to-Liquids - (HR 2208)
- Develop Oil Shale Resources - (HR 6138)
- Repeal Section 526 of EISA 2007 - (HR 5656)
- Refineries - (HR 6139; HR 2279)
Americans want more energy production here in America, and we urge you to let the will of the American people prevail by permitting the House to vote on whether we will allow more American energy supply. This is the people's House. Let's take the action our constituents need and demand.
This letter was co-signed by seventy members of Congress. We need to continue to pressure House leadership to permit up or down votes on allowing access to America's untapped energy resources.
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Kentucky Historical Society accepting historical highway marker applications for October 1st deadline 
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is now accepting applications for the Kentucky Historical Highway Marker Program. The application deadline is October 1st. The fee for a highway marker is $2,075 for a one-sided marker and $2,300 for a two-sided marker. The Kentucky Historical Highway Marker Program, administered by KHS in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, commemorates historical sites, events, and personalities throughout the Commonwealth. The program helps make Kentucky's wealth of history more visible to the public as they travel along the state's roadways.
Fifteen applications will be approved after the October 1st deadline. Prospective applicants can download the Kentucky Historical Highway Marker application from the KHS Web site by clicking on the "Community Historians" link. For more information, contact Becky Vittetow, Kentucky Historical Highway Marker Program Coordinator, by phone at (502) 564-1792, ext. 4474.
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Legislative News
Legislative Week in Review
The House of Representatives was in session Tuesday through Thursday of this week. The following bills passed the House:
- S. 2565 - Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008
- H.R. 6493 - The Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008
- S. 2766 - The Clean Boating Act of 2008
- S.294 - The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007
- H.R. 4049 - Money Service Business Act of 2007
- H.Res. 1139 - Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and congratulating the men and women who provide exceptional service to our military and keep our Pacific Fleet "fit to fight".
- H.R. 6545 - National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008
- H.R. 6532 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the Highway Trust Fund balance
- H.Res.645 - Expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the professionalism and dedication of the United States Capitol Police
- H.R. 3221 - American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008
- H.R. 3999 - The National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act
You can find more information on each of these bills and keep up-to-date on their progress as they move through the legislative process by visiting and typing in the bill number.http://thomas.loc.gov
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Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week
The House of Representatives will be in session Tuesday through Friday.
Information on next week's schedule can be found on the Office of the Clerk's website for upcoming legislation: . This site provides up-to-date information on House legislative schedules.http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/index.html
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Constituent Corner
The Department of Veterans Affairs announces online claims applications
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced recently that online applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. The VA will process applications received through its online application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature. The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits. Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications.
VONAPP () is a Web-based system that benefits both internal and external users. Veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints of location, postage cost and time delays in mail delivery. VONAPP reduces the number of incomplete applications received by the VA, decreasing the need for additional development by VA claims processors. The on-line application also provides a link to apply for VA health care benefits and much more. For more information about VA benefits, go to the VA's website at , or call their toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000.www.va.govwww.va.gov/onlineapps.htm
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"Play It Again" Concert Series continues at General Butler State Park on Saturday, July 26th
 The "Play It Again" Concert Series will resume July 26th at General Butler State Resort Park on the grounds of the Butler-Turpin State Historic House. The free concert by Cosa Seria, an 8-piece Latin band, will start at 7:00 p.m. Seating is informal and guests can bring their own chairs. There will also be wine tasting provided by a local vineyard, River Valley River.
The concert series is held one Saturday each month through October. To reach the park in Carrollton, take Exit 44 off Interstate 71, go two miles on Hwy 227 to the park entrance.
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Heritage musicians take over Greenbo Amphitheatre on August 15th and 16th
Blues, gospel, bluegrass and old time country music will heat up the stage at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park's amphitheatre on August 15th and 16th. On Friday, August 15th, the program for the Colonel Bill Williams Heritage Music Festival will feature "An Evening of Blues" starting at 6:00 p.m. Larry Whitt, the Blues Cruisers and da Mud Cats will warm up the crowd for the headline act, Teeny Tucker, starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $8.00 per person ($5.00 for seniors). Children under 12 years of age are free. There is no reserved seating; please bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.
On Saturday, August 16th, the Heritage Music Jubilee will roll on from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with a two hour dinner break from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Afternoon performers will include Sasha Collette and Gospel Tide, while evening performances will feature the Gospel Enforcers and Ken Mellons with the America's Bluegrass Band. On Saturday, admission is $10.00 per person ($5.00 for seniors). Children under 12 are still free.
Tickets can be purchased at the amphitheater gate. The concession stand will be open for business. For more information, call Greenbo Lake State Resort Park at (606) 473-7324.
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Goldenrod Gala at General Butler State Park will feature activities for all ages on Saturday, August 30th
Music, entertainers, food and arts & crafts will enliven General Butler State Resort Park for the annual Goldenrod Gala on Saturday, August 30th. Along with antique tractors, vintage cars and kids' activities like mini-golf, train rides and inflatables, the one-day juried arts & crafts and music festival is expected to attract an even bigger audience than last year's crowd of several thousand people. The park near the Ohio River in northern Kentucky will be buzzing with crafts demonstrations, like a pottery workshop, tie-dyed t-shirts and broom-making, as the Carroll County African American Choir performs songs of freedom. Other music on the bill includes bluegrass and a cappella groups.
To apply for booth space contact Mandy Parker or Rhonda Welch at the Carroll County Extension Service at (502) 732-7030. Additional information about the Goldenrod Gala is available on line at . www.goldenrodgala.com
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Constituent Hours
Every month, members of my staff are available throughout the Fourth Congressional District to assist local residents with problems related to the federal government.
Please click here to see the current list of scheduled times and locations in your area. Appointments are not necessary. As always, constituents are welcome to contact our offices in Washington, D.C., Ashland, La Grange, Ft. Mitchell, Maysville and Williamstown at any time with questions or concerns.
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This Day in History - July 25th
- 1759 - During the French and Indian War, in western New York, British forces capture Fort Niagara from the French.
- 1866 - The U.S. Congress passes legislation authorizing the rank of General of the Army (commonly called "5-star general"). Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant becomes the first to have this rank.
- 1920 - First transatlantic two-way radio broadcast takes place.
- 1943 - During World War II, Benito Mussolini is forced out of office by his own Italian Grand Council and is replaced by Pietro Badoglio.
- 1946 - At Club 500 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis stage their first show as a comedy team.
Thanks!
As always, feel free to pass my e-newsletter on to family or friends who would be interested or let them know they can sign up on my website at . Thanks.http://GeoffDavis.house.gov/
| Sincerely, |
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Geoff Davis
Member of Congress |
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