Report on District 19 Energy and Economy Tour

As noted in recent Roundups, I have been and will continue to be traveling around West Texas and the Big Country to talk to you about America’s energy situation and our economy.  After the first week of my tour, I wanted to report back to you on some of the places I’ve visited and what I’ve learned so far.

My first stop last week was the Floydada Renewable Energy Center to learn more about wind as a reliable energy source.  Wind power production has grown rapidly in Texas in recent years, and more wind power is now generated in the 19th Congressional District than in the entire state of California.  While in Floydada, I also met with city and county officials who told me how much the rising cost of energy has impacted their community budgets.

During a visit to the Tolk Station power plant near Muleshoe I learned about the affordability of coal as an energy source, how certain types of coal produce less emissions than other types and how new technologies are making electricity generation more efficient.  Near Denver City, I saw how carbon dioxide is being used to help enhance recovery of natural gas and increase the amount energy resources produced here at home.  In Plainview, I visited an ethanol plant and learned more about how this renewable fuel is produced and how livestock producers are utilizing its byproducts in feed.

At South Plains College in Levelland, local auto dealers brought out some of their new hybrid vehicles that run on both electricity and gas and told us about other new technologies in the works.  They also shared vehicle maintenance tips that can help all drivers improve their fuel efficiency, such as those found at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

While I have several more stops on the tour this week, the one thing clear to me is how much we in West Texas and the Big Country produce and use energy from many different sources.  Our area plays a large role when it comes to increasing energy supplies that will not only help meet the energy demand for Texans but for all Americans.

I will take the information I’ve gained back to Washington in September.  Congress must find energy solutions that are accessible and affordable so we can stop exporting $700 billion dollars a year to buy energy and instead invest that in American production of traditional fossil fuels as well as renewable and alternative fuels. This will create more jobs, grow our economy and strengthen our national security.

Heading Back To School

It’s that time of year again.  From the earliest grades to colleges and universities, students and teachers are back in classrooms all across West Texas and the Big Country, beginning another year of learning and growth. 

In that spirit, I want to share with you what is going on in Washington in terms of legislation affecting students, teachers, and parents.  Most importantly, however, I believe Washington should not burden our schools with excessive federal mandates because parents and local communities know best what their school's needs are.

Because local school districts and state governments have the primary responsibility for education policy, they should have the greatest flexibility when it comes to running our schools. Schools must be accountable to ensure that each student is learning, and I encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s education. I also support policies that expand college access for all students, especially low and middle income students

Earlier this month President Bush signed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act into law, which I supported when the House passed the bill this summer.  This legislation increases the amount of Pell Grants and makes the student aid application process simpler.  It also contains provisions to increase transparency in college costs and public and private financial aid.

During this school year, it is likely Congress will consider legislation to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act that addresses elementary education and was first signed into law in 2001.  As Congress works on this legislation, I look forward to continuing the dialog with students, parents and educators of the 19th District about how this law is working and how they believe it could be improved. 

When it comes to education, I want to ensure we have a proper balance between local and state control of schools, accountability, flexibility to meet local needs and federal assistance for students and schools that have the most needs.  I wish all of you a productive school year.

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As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website, www.randy.house.gov, or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.