Energy
The issue of Energy is important to our district and to my work in Congress.
I am dedicated to moving America's energy future in the right direction. Every day, Americans struggle with high energy prices, the effects of climate change, and health issues associated with pollution. I fully support energy policies that decrease our dependence on foreign oil and make strategic invesments in clean, affordable domestic energy alternatives.
In the last Congress, we made it a priority to combat climate change and enhance America’s alternative energy production:
- American Clean Energy and Security Act - 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 pollution
- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act- In addition to rejuvenating our nation’s economy, this package included 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
- Home Star Energy Retrofit Act – Provides immediate incentives for consumers who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient—rapidly creating jobs here at home, while saving money for American families
I encourage my colleagues in this Congress to continue this progress of addressing our nation's environment and energy needs.
Greening the Capitol
In addition to passing several pieces of groundbreaking environmental legislation, the 111th Congress was busy practicing what it preached by implementing greener practices within its own walls. In 2007, the Speaker of the House launched the Green the Capitol program to make House operations a model of sustainability. In the three short years since this program took effect Congress has already reduced energy use, cut costs and waste, and minimized the House’s carbon footprint. Some of the main features of the Green the Capitol are below, but for more information, please visit the program’s website.
Energy
- Capitol Power Plant replaced coal with natural gas to heat the entire Capitol Complex
- Consolidated all Member and facility servers and renovated date centers to conserve power and save money
- Installed energy efficient lighting, smart power strips, HVAC systems, and water conservation measures
Waste and Water Management
- Recycled over 1,800 tons of paper and 46 tons of bottles and cans
- Implemented electronic faxing, double sided printing, online publications, and updated mailing lists to reduce paper use
- Converted all toilets and plumbing fixtures to low-flow models to conserve water
Transportation
- Purchased over 30 electric and hybrid vehicles for Capitol business use
- Funded enrollment in car-sharing programs
- Increased public transportation benefits