U.S. Congressman David Scott : 13th District Of Georgia

Gas Prices and Energy Independence

A number of factors combine to exert pressure on gasoline prices in all parts of the country. Major factors in the run-up of crude oil prices include the sharply increased consumption of imported oil by China, the continuing possibility of a supply disruption from either violence or terrorism in the Middle East, or from natural disasters like hurricanes. Production and marketing factors also affect gasoline prices and stem from a lack of refining capacity in the United States, the range of fuel blends required to meet air pollution regulations and the continuous increase in demand needed for economic growth.

With oil and natural gas prices rising, energy conservation and investments in renewable energy technology are vital to the taxpayer's wallet, the environment and our national security. In the 111th Congress, Congress has been working tirelessly to help relieve Americans of the burden of high energy prices, while achieving greater energy security. In January 2009, the House passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This comprehensive legislation includes important provisions to revitalize our country’s energy portfolio, and help create an estimated 500,000 jobs. The bill will also accelerate deployment of smart grid technology, provide energy efficiency funds for the nation’s schools, and offer support for the nation’s governors and mayors to meet their specific energy needs. President Obama signed H.R. 1 into law on February 17, 2009.

Electricity

The Southeast faces unique challenges in energy generation. An ever-growing population has forced us to rely too heavily upon coal-generated electricity, a source that continues to increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and causes pollution in the air we breathe. While utilities are slowly switching to natural gas and nuclear power, we must explore creative solutions to address our rapidly increasing electricity demands that fit the characteristics of our region.

I lent my support to a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education supporting $5.1 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in FY 2010. LIHEAP helps low-income families and seniors remain healthy and secure during extreme temperatures. In Georgia, we are all too familiar with the intense and, at times, deadly heat during the summer months. Therefore, adequate funding for LIHEAP is crucial in FY 2010.

Environment

Air Quality

The tremendous population growth and economic activity in Georgia has made our state an engine for regional and national economic prosperity. However, this has come at a cost to the local and state environment, affecting the air, water and overall quality of life in Georgia. As your representative in Congress, I support responsible stewardship and management of our environment and natural resources for the sustainability of Georgia’s economic growth, and most importantly, our children. The federal government must support states' efforts to meet the goals outlined in the Clean Air Act. I am diligently following energy and conservation issues at the federal level to ensure sustainable environmental and economic policy for the metropolitan Atlanta area businesses, commerce and residents.

Water Quality

With the passage of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in the 1970’s, Congress took the first step in protecting our nation’s waters. Over the last 30 years, many revisions and updates to this legislation have ensured on-going protection. Federal and state environmental agencies have been involved in improving the Combined Sewer Overflow system in the City of Atlanta for several years. Their plan includes rerouting old flow routes, constructing new storage areas for the combined sewer flow, closing older facilities and adding additional improved facilities for secondary-treatment for discharge into local rivers. As these projects approach completion, Atlanta will still need assistance to maintain these facilities and mitigate future problems as they arise. As such, I was pleased to co-sign a letter with my House colleagues addressed to the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and the Environment supporting the funding of $2.4 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in FY 2010.

Conservation

Throughout my time as your representative, I have been a very strong supporter of protecting wildlife and critical habitat. As we consider funding for FY 2010, once again I have signed a number of letters concerning increases for federal land and wildlife conservation programs.

I have signed several letters of support for various environmental programs including: