U.S. Rep.

Jason Altmire, R-4th, voted Thursday to repeal $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for big oil companies in order, he said, to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels.But U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, blasted the legislation, claiming it would end up costing Americans more money at the gas pump.The House of Representatives passed the Clean Energy Act, 164 to 123."Our record reliance on foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable and high gas prices negatively impact American families and businesses,"Altmire said. "This bill is a first step in our commitment to increase investment in renewable energy and begin the path to energy independence."According to Altmire, U.S. oil companies have received billions of dollars in subsidies over the past six years.In 2006, he said the five big oil companies made a record $97 billion — nearly five times their profits in 2002, while gas prices at the pump topped $3 per gallon.The measure would ensure oil companies that were awarded the 1998 and 1999 leases for drilling paid their fair share in royalties and would close loopholes, ending giveaways for big oil in the tax code and in the 2005 Energy bill, Altmire said.Additionally, the bill would create a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve energy conservation.English, however, argued the bill would hurt consumers: "The (bill) not only creates disincentives that will decrease the supply of domestic natural gas and oil, it will also force America's working families to bear the brunt of increased energy costs."The $6.6 billion tax increase will inevitability be borne entirely by consumers in the form of higher gasoline and home energy prices."———

State Rep. <B>Jaret Gibbons</B>, D-10th, announced this week that Butler County was recently awarded a grant of more than $15,866 from the state Department of Environmental Protection for a 2006 household hazardous waste collection event.The event was Sept. 26 at the Butler Fairgrounds.———

U.S. Reps.<B> Phil English</B>, R-3rd, and <B>Jason Altmire</B>, D-4th, voted Tuesday for the College Student Relief Act of 2007, approved by the House, 356 to 71.The bill seeks to make college more affordable by cutting the interest rate on subsidized student loans for undergraduates in half over the next five years — cutting the interest rate from 6.8 to 3.4 percent.When fully phased in, Altmire said, the measure would save the typical student borrower in Pennsylvania $4,440 over the life of their loans."These are real, meaningful savings for thousands of students who attend college in my district and for over 200,000 students statewide," said Altmire, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee.English, however, said Congress needs to do more to address the long-term issues of today's college cost crisis.""Creating incentives to help pay for higher education is the best way to make college a reality," English said."I hope (Tuesday's) House action marks the first of many legislative initiatives that will work to ensure our youth have access to higher education, and that parents and students are better equipped to afford college."