Woodall Amendments Cut $5.1 Million From Energy Budget

Two amendments to the Energy and Water Appropriates Bill written and introduced by Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA-07) passed the House Monday.

According to a press release from Woodall’s office, the combination of the two will save $5.1 million in taxpayer money. Under a new policy implemented by House Republicans, all money saved from programs cut in appropriations bills can be deposited in a spending reduction account. This prevents money cut from programs like this from being spent on any other projects.

The first of the amendment cuts $4.9 million from FY 2012 spending by eliminating a climate change study carried about by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

“This amendment isn’t about whether you believe that the earth’s climate is warming, cooling, or not changing at all—it’s about ensuring the efficient allocation of taxpayer resources,” Woodall said, adding, “The Army Corps of Engineers is a construction agency—not a scientific research agency. Its mission does not include climate change.”

The second amendment passed eliminates $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy for a program to encourage third to eighth graders and their families to learn more about energy consumption and efficiency.  

“This program is a new initiative launched during a time when America is not in any position to pay for existing programs, let alone new ones. Parents and teachers should teach children how to turn off a light switch, but we shouldn’t need a new federal program to make it happen,” Woodall said. “In the context of the multi trillion-dollar debt that our nation owes, $5.1 million is a drop in the bucket. However, one small amendment at the time, my colleagues and I are changing the culture of excessive spending of the past, and working to get our financial house back in order.”

The final Energy and water Appropriations Bill for FY 2012 is expected to lower spending to 2006 levels. The House will vote on the final version later this week.

Woodall’s Seventh District includes all of Barrow and Walton counties, most of Gwinnett County, and portions of Forsyth and Newton counties.