Energy
Energy Now more than ever, our nation needs energy policies that will enhance our national security by reducing our dependence on oil. To do this, we must use existing energy resources more efficiently and encourage the development of alternative energy sources. Renewable Energy: As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I support policies that encourage the development of clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, biodiesel, and wind power. The federal government has made some notable efforts to encourage the use of these energy sources, but more work needs to be done. Increased investment in solar energy will be especially important in the coming years. Solar is the largest source of renewable energy in our country, representing 80 percent of all domestic renewables and creating more jobs per megawatt of energy than any other form of energy. In the 111th Congress, I introduced the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act to help spur development in America’s solar industry. This legislation would provide domestic solar manufacturers with additional incentives to invest at home – dramatically increasing our production to better compete on a global scale. Independent analysts estimate that this legislation will create 160,000 new solar related jobs across the country. In addition to promoting the development of renewable energy sources, I also support efforts to reduce the U.S.’s overall energy consumption. The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program has been particularly successful, providing homeowners and businesses with an innovative financing tool to retrofit their homes and businesses to reduce energy usage, save money, and increase the value of their property. This bipartisan initiative is completely voluntary and does not rely on any government subsidies or taxes. Sonoma County has benefitted enormously from the PACE program. PACE initiatives have helped the county become a leader in California’s emerging green economy and created over $42 million in local investment. In addition to its positive economic impact, the PACE program has also promoted local energy security and savings by encouraging the installation of energy efficient windows, residential solar panels, and water-saving devices. As a result of these investments, over 6,700 tons of greenhouse gases are being removed from the Sonoma County environment each year. Unfortunately, recent federal regulations have made it difficult, if not impossible, for counties and cities to continue their PACE programs or to start new PACE programs. I am working with a dedicated, bipartisan group of colleagues in the House to pass legislation that will allow PACE programs to continue lowering energy usage and energy costs for America’s homeowners and businesses. “Greening” the Tax Code Related Documents:
Press Releases -
REPS. MIKE THOMPSON, TED POE INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO SPUR INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
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