U.S. Energy policies and plans for energy sustainability for future generations will be the topic of conversation by U.S. Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-Grand Rapids) who will speak Monday, December 13, 2004, at Aquinas College. Congressman Ehlers will speak to the faculty, staff and students at Aquinas starting at 12:30 p.m. in the Wege Student Center Ballroom. His talk is open to the public and free of charge.

Ehlers was invited to speak at Aquinas by a student organization, the AQ Republicans. Andy Oetman, a spokesperson for the group, said his organization expressed concerns about the nation's energy policies that will affect future generations. He said his group is interested in knowing what Congress is doing now to prepare to meet the energy demands for tomorrow. Congressman Ehlers plans to take questions, immediately following his talk.

Congressman Ehlers, a pro-environment law maker, has twice turned thumbs down on an Energy Policy bill - once last fall and, again, last month. In a letter to constituents, he stated, "The Energy Policy Act of 2003 (H.R. 6) contained a number of good provisions. It included funds for improving energy efficiency, renewable energy and hydrogen fuel cells. However, it also included huge tax breaks for oil and gas companies and several objectionable environmental provisions. I do not believe that the bill will put the nation on a pathway toward safe, clean, secure and affordable energy; therefore, I voted against passage of the bill."

Ehlers is expected to discuss his vision for our energy future during Monday's talk.