Energy & Environment

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges the Congress and the nation currently face. In Pennsylvania alone, it is estimated that by mid-century, average temperatures could increase by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to heat waves, decreases in snow cover, precipitation changes, and rising water levels. These changes would have significant impacts on Pennsylvania’s health, environment, and economy, causing an alarming decrease in air quality in Philadelphia and hurting agriculture, water supply, forest health, and a variety of industries throughout the state.

Aside from the potentially disastrous effects of climate change, it has also become increasingly imperative for America to develop domestic energy sources in order to decrease our reliance on foreign energy and bolster our national security.

The President and the Congress have made it a priority to combat climate change and enhance America’s alternative energy production. This year, we have passed:

  • H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition to rejuvenating our nation’s economy, this package includes a number of provisions to produce clean and efficient American energy, including investments in a new electric power grid, enhancement of our transportation infrastructure, $6.3 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants, and $2.5 billion for renewable energy research.
  • A budget resolution that creates a deficit-neutral reserve fund to promote energy independence, and calls for investments in energy efficiency and clean energy to launch a sustainable era of job creation and make America a global technology leader once again.
  • Right now, Members of Congress are also drafting comprehensive climate change legislation. On May 21, 2009, the Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 2454, "The American Clean Energy and Security Act." This legislation is a comprehensive approach to America's energy policy that will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence, and cut global warming pollution.