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Environment and Energy
The issue of Environment and Energy is important to our district and to my work in Congress.
On the Environment
Since coming to Congress, I have been an outspoken supporter of policies that protect our environment. As my family will tell you, when I am home I can most often be found watching the National Geographic channel or Planet Earth DVDs. Preserving our public lands, protecting the quality of our air and water, and developing sustainably are vital to preserve our planet for grandchildren and their grandchildren.
Clean air
Since 1970, the Clean Air Act has reduced key air pollutants by 60%, while at the same time the economy grew by over 200%. Too often we take the very air we breathe for granted. We are responsible for the condition and quality of the air that we leave for our children and grandchildren who will inherit this world after us. I was proud to be one of over 89 Members of the House to sign a letter to House leadership asking them to protect the Clean Air Act, and will continue to support efforts to protect our air quality.
Clean Water
Clean water is a necessary resource used by all Americans. I believe that our country’s waters should be protected for the wellbeing of Americans and our environment. Although they are out of sight and out of mind except when they spring a leak, water and sewer systems are more vital to civilized society than any other aspect of infrastructure. Our nation’s water infrastructure is out of date and in urgent need of repair and replacement. It is estimated that on average, 25 percent of drinking water leaks from water system pipes before it reaches the faucet.
Green infrastructure can save money and improve our water infrastructure systems. Kansas City is ahead of the curve in incorporating green infrastructure into its water and sewer overflow control plan. That is why I have cosponsored H.R. 2030, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act. H.R. 2030 would provide grants to develop green infrastructure centers of excellence to research and develop methods and best practices, provide training and technical assistance so that communities of all sizes and resources can incorporate green infrastructure.
Rural Water
More than 97 percent of the nation’s 160,000 public water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people. These systems face unique challenges in providing affordable drinking water and wastewater services. Many of these systems lack financial resources, long-term planning activities, and the ability to attract qualified and certified operators. Investments in small system infrastructure ensure rural communities have the basic infrastructure to become sustainable and protect the rural economy and public health. Programs such as the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, the EPA Technical Assistance Competitive Grant Program and the Circuit Rider Program within the EPA and the Department of Agriculture provide training and technical assistance to rural communities to help them properly manage, operate, and maintain their water systems.
Livable Communities & the Green Impact Zone
Every community in America – regardless of its size, geographic location, demographic composition, or economic base -- aspires to become a place where families are safe, enjoy personal and environmental health, can select from a range of housing and transportation choices, and have access to educational and economic opportunities. These are the building blocks of livable communities. I am proud of the work that is being done to make the Green Impact Zone, and Kansas City, livable communities. I support community efforts to promote this sustainable development and efforts in Congress to fund and expand federal programs, such as the Partnership for Sustainable Communities at Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I have cosponsored H.R. 709, the Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act, which would provide grants to rehabilitate and develop urban parks and community recreation infrastructure and investment in community programs, such as those aiding at-risk youth. Kansas City has benefited from several Partnership for Sustainable Communities grants, and I will continue to support funding for these programs in Congress.
On Energy
Energy security is an economic, national security, environmental, and health concern that touches all Americans. The United States has less than 5% of the world’s population, but we consume nearly one quarter of the world’s produced oil. We depend on energy to light our homes and businesses, natural gas to heat them, and gasoline to power the cars and trucks that carry us to work and transport our goods. As other nations continue to develop and the global demand for energy rises, we must work to ensure reliable energy sources so our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same quality of life that we do.
Many Americans are experiencing a home-energy challenge. During peak winter and summer months, energy bills can reach up to 30 percent of a low-income household’s monthly income. Families should not have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table; that is why I have continually supported the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP provides assistance for heating and cooling to almost 9 million households.
Global Warming
As early as 1859, British scientist John Tyndall discovered that carbon dioxide (CO2) can trap heat. Since Charles Keeling began measuring atmospheric CO2 in the late 1950s, scientists have accumulated a wealth of evidence documenting the increase of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, the rise of global average temperature and the influence of human activities on the Earth’s climate.
I was proud to be chosen to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. From 2007-2010, my colleagues and I held over 50 hearings on the security, economic and environmental threats posed by global warming and investigated policy options and technologies to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Committee also worked to communicate these issues directly with the American public.
Clean Energy
Over 70 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from non-renewable sources, and coal is used to generate almost half of our total domestic energy. However, electricity use is expected to increase 40% over the next 20 years. With the U.S. holding less than 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves, we need to develop alternative sources of energy. We must invest in clean-energy generating technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower as part of a long-term, ecologically sound energy strategy. Devastation wrought by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill should be a wake-up call for our country to re-examine our energy strategy.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
About 30% of the energy used in commercial and industrial buildings is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Investing in the research and development of technologies that will curtail some of our energy demand is vital. More efficient appliances, automobiles and manufacturing processes will go a long way in reducing emissions and will aid greatly in creating a cleaner environment. That is why I have introduced H.R. 627, the Home Energy Loss Prevention Act, which would require an energy audit be done within the last 5 years of a house being sold. I also support continued funding for home weatherization, through tax credits or assistance to low-income households.
Natural Gas
Natural gas has the potential to help our nation bridge from traditional fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable sources of energy. Just one trillion cubic feet of natural gas is enough to heat 15 million homes for one year. However, we must ensure that it is produced safely and responsibly. Because the use of hydraulic fracturing is increasing, Congress must require that companies disclose the chemicals that are injected into the ground and conduct monitoring to ensure that the wells do not pollute the surrounding air or water. That is why I have cosponsored H.R. 1084, the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is a large part of our nation’s current energy supply. However, the crisis at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant last year has revived concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants and the management of radioactive spent fuel produced at the plants. The construction of additional nuclear reactors in the United States could allow for greater energy independence; however, the potential consequences of such a commitment must also be considered. Safety must be paramount.
Biofuels
I am a firm supporter of alternative energy sources that are renewable and produced in a method that are ecologically and socially responsible. Biofuels have several potential benefits relative to our current petroleum-based fuels. The use of biofuels can reduce emissions of some pollutants relative to gasoline or diesel fuel.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issue of Environment and Energy, please contact my Washington, DC office.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thank you.
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