Energy and Environment

Energy and Environment

I believe that some of the most critical issues facing Congress are energy production, environmental protection, and alternative energy development. We must balance our nation’s energy demand with the need to protect the environment for current and future generations.

While I was Mayor of Fort Worth, I established the first environmental advisory committee in the city’s history and one of the largest curbside recycling programs in the nation. As a U.S. Representative, I have continued to take an active role in environmental and energy policy to ensure that our decisions are based on sound science and the best interests of our environment, our citizens, and our economy. The federal government must do a better job of working with States, industries, and folks at the local level to protect America’s natural resources and promote responsible energy development. Only together can we successfully reduce our dependence on foreign oil, increase domestic production, and preserve the environment our children, and their children.

As a member of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I have an opportunity to help determine how best to allocate federal resources to meet these goals.

Idle Reduction Tax Credit Act (H.R. 139)

I believe that one of the best ways to protect the environment is to provide incentives for companies and individuals to take action on their own. That is why I have introduced H.R. 139, the Idle Reduction Tax Credit Act. The Idle Reduction Tax Credit Act would provide a tax credit of up to $1,000 for each truck outfitted with idling reduction devices.

This bill is designed to help reduce air pollution by large trucks in a way that helps the transportation and cargo industries. Overall, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) estimates that idling trucks emit 5,000 tons of particulate matter per year. The EPA says that idling reduction devices could reduce ozone and soot emissions, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, by roughly 80 to 90 percent.

In addition, idling reduction devices would significantly reduce fuel consumption. Estimates show tangible fuel cost savings for trucking companies and small businesses by as much as $7500 per year per truck.

Energy Expo

In November 2007, I hosted an Energy Expo in Fort Worth. The purpose of the expo was to bring together companies, organizations, and individuals who are working to find free market solutions to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and to become more energy efficient by supporting alternative sources of energy. I am pleased that Kathy Fredriksen, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs for the Department of Energy, was in attendance. Ms. Fredriksen spoke at the expo, and visited exhibits and talked with vendors.

Over 30 different vendors were represented at the Energy Expo. Companies were on hand to discuss alternative fuel, hybrid vehicles, solar, wind and nuclear energy as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy and from the State of Texas.

This was a great example of the efforts that are currently underway to address our nation’s energy needs, and I look forward to working with these groups to find solutions to the energy issues facing our country.