Press Releases 2008

Pelosi, Congressional Delegation Focus
on Energy, Global Warming in Mumbai, India

March 24, 2008

MUMBAI, INDIA -- Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and a bipartisan delegation of senior members of the United States House of Representatives, have concluded two days of meetings in Mumbai, India focused on the need for swift action by government and the private sector to promote and expand research and strengthen efforts.

Congressman Ed Markey, Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, announced the Committee would hold a Congressional hearing in Washington next month to focus on engaging developing countries like India in global warming solutions.

In meeting with key members of the Indian government and the energy business community, the delegation focused on the need for major investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy to reduce global warming pollution.  The delegation engaged in a detailed exchange with key Indian business leaders about India’s rapidly growing energy needs and the challenges that the country faces in providing energy to both India’s booming urban centers and still struggling rural villages. They also explored areas of cooperation between the two countries to further the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies that will help India’s development, enhance both countries’ national security, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Speaker Pelosi said, “Our delegation was very encouraged to hear that the leaders in the Indian business community believe industry can be in the forefront of climate change and energy efficiency initiatives, rather than stand as a barrier to change.  The spirit of innovation that has driven the economies of the United States and India and the spirit of cooperation expressed during our meeting will help our two countries find solutions to global warming.  This visit has strengthened our resolve to pass legislation as soon as possible to protect our planet for future generations.”

Chairman Edward Markey said, “There are no hospitals for sick planets. It is time to engage in some preventive medicine to reduce global warming pollution around the globe. In the past few years, the United States and India have seen a dramatic increase in their use of renewable energy, but both countries can – and must – do more.  Our two countries still face challenges in reaching agreements on energy and global warming issues, but it is clear from our meetings with the Indian energy community that solutions exist that can enhance both countries’ economies and protect the planet.”

Ranking Member of the Select Committee, James Sensenbrenner, said, “I have said all along that climate change should be focused on viable technology that can be transferred in an economical way to everyday life, rather than more taxes and excessive regulation. We need to use new technologies and develop partnerships world wide in order be successful.”

In addition to Pelosi, Markey and Sensenbrenner, the congressional delegation includes the Chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee George Miller of California, Representatives Jim McDermott of Washington, Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia, Anna Eshoo of California, Jay Inslee of Washington, Rush Holt of New Jersey and Hilda Solis of California.