April 22, 2008

Rep. Calvert’s Earth Day 2008 Message

Dear Friends,

The condition of the Earth and our environment play a significant role in the high quality of life Americans have come to expect and enjoy.  The congressional district I represent encompasses a diverse environmental cross-section of California’s extraordinary landscape, stretching from the coastline of Orange County to the deserts of Riverside County.  The district also includes natural resources that are part of the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana River watershed. 

Our region is at the forefront of a national effort to work towards a balance between environmental protection and economic development.  Achieving this balance is a daunting task, but I believe Congress can take a number of steps that will help us meet the challenge. 

One of the most pressing environmental issues facing southern California is our air quality.  Specifically, reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country and the world.

Clean Diesel

Last year, I successfully requested the inclusion of $50 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide necessary assistance to reduce the negative effects of existing diesel engines.  The funds made available through this program are estimated to leverage a significant level of additional funding assistance as well as achieve an estimated $1.5 billion in health benefits.

During my past service as Chairman of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, I advocated for new national standards on ultra low sulfur diesel.  Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began implementing stringent new standards for diesel fuel and new diesel engines and as of June 1, 2006, refiners were required to begin producing clean ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel for use in highway diesel engines.  Beginning with the 2007 model year, the harmful pollution from heavy-duty highway vehicles will be reduced by more than 90 percent. According to the EPA, once this action is fully implemented:

2.6 million tons of smog-causing nitrogen oxide emissions will be reduced each year.

Soot or particulate matter will be reduced by 110,000 tons a year.

An estimated 8,300 premature deaths, 5,500 cases of chronic bronchitis and 17,600 cases of acute bronchitis in children will be prevented annually.

An estimated 360,000 asthma attacks and 386,000 cases of respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children will also be avoided every year.

1.5 million lost work days, 7,100 hospital visits and 2,400 emergency room visits for asthma will be prevented.

Green Energy

As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I strongly support the expanded use and availability of alternative and renewable energy sources. 

On December 18, 2007, I joined a bipartisan majority of the House (314-100) in approving Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6), which was subsequently signed into law on December 19, 2007.  H.R. 6 is a comprehensive energy policy law that consists mainly of provisions designed to increase energy efficiency and the availability of renewable energy. 

Here are some highlights of key provisions enacted into law:

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) - The law establishes a target of 35 miles per gallon for the combined fleet of cars and light trucks by model year 2020.

Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) - The law sets a modified renewable fuel standard that starts at 9.0 billion gallons in 2008 and rises to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Energy Efficiency Equipment Standards - The law includes a variety of new, more energy efficient standards for lighting and for residential and commercial appliance equipment. The equipment includes residential refrigerators, freezers, refrigerator-freezers, metal halide lamps, and commercial walk-in coolers and freezers.

Repeal of Oil and Gas Tax Incentives - The enacted law repeals two tax subsidies in order to offset the estimated cost to implement the CAFE provision.

I am also a cosponsor of the Clean and Green Renewable Energy Tax Credit Act, H.R.1596, which promotes the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, fuel cells, and wind energy. 

While renewables and efficiency are important, it is equally vital that we reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy which is why I am also a cosponsor of the Securing America's Energy Independence Act, H.R. 550.  The legislation proposes to extend the fuel cell and solar technology tax credits included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for an additional eight years.  I believe the best way to move towards cleaner, more efficient energy and energy independence is to provide incentives, not over-regulate. 

I know that that air quality and energy independence and efficiency are important to the constituents of the 44^th Congressional District of California and welcome your input.

Sincerely,

KEN CALVERT

Member of Congress