Letter from Olver: Earth Day 2009 — Past Successes, Future ChallengesU.S. Rep. John W. Olver
Guest Columnist
10:56PM / Wednesday, April 22, 2009
 | | U.S. Rep. John W. Olver |
WASHINGTON, D.C.
On this, the 39th celebration of Earth Day, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made for the health of our planet and build awareness and support for all that remains to be done.
As a scientist, I believe that global warming is the most critical environmental issue of our time. That is why I am personally very pleased that fighting climate change is a flagship issue for the 111th Congress and President Obama.
I want to take this opportunity to highlight the Democratic Congress' environmental legislative successes, as well as provide you with a preview of an exciting piece of legislation that the House has yet to consider, the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
Energy Independence & Climate Change Legislative Successes
When we gained the majority in 2007, Democrats began a "Green the Capitol" initiative to ensure that the U.S. House of Representatives will be one of the world's first carbon-neutral legislative bodies. Entering Phase 2, we are purchasing wind power, using natural gas at the Capitol Power Plant, lighting the Capitol, including the dome, with energy-efficient lighting and using only 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper.
■ In December, 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, strengthening national security by lessening our dependence on foreign oil. This is accomplished while reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs for consumers by raising vehicle fuel efficiency standards, expanding the use of high performance green buildings, and promoting the development of nonfossil-fuel based vehicle technologies.
■ In February, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Over 500,000 jobs will be created through programs that invest in our nation's infrastructure, including updating our nation's aging electricity transmission system with Smart Grid technology, providing energy efficiency funds for the nation's schools, offering support for the nation's governors and mayors to tackle local energy challenges, and establishing a new loan guarantee program to keep our transition to renewable energy on track during the economic crisis.
Preview of the American Clean Energy and Security Act
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is a comprehensive approach to America's energy policy that charts a new course toward a clean energy economy. While this bill is still in its infancy the broad sketch of its scope and objectives is really quite exciting. The American Clean Energy and Security Act 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 global warming pollution. To meet these goals, the legislation has four areas of focus:
■ A clean energy title that promotes renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, low-carbon fuels, clean electric vehicles, and improving the nation's electricity transmission grid;
■ An energy efficiency title that funds increased energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry;
■ A climate change title that places limits on the emission of global warming causing pollutants and provides a market with financial incentives to develop clean, renewable sources of energy; and
■ A transitioning title that protects U.S. consumers and industry and promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearings on this bill are scheduled to take place this week. I will be sure to keep you updated on the bill's progress.
During my 18-year tenure in Congress, protecting our environment has been one of my primary focuses. Even as evidence of the negative impact of climate change became undeniable, the political will to aggressively legislate in response to this threat was simply not there. However, now the tide has turned.
We have been presented with a unique window of opportunity attributable to a Democratic Congress, a new president who is committed to addressing these issues, and a need to restructure our country's economy to weather the economic downturn. I am confident that Congress will seize this unprecedented opportunity to finally attack climate change with the vigor the threat demands.
I look forward to contacting you next year, on the 40th celebration of Earth Day, with news of strong legislative accomplishments that seek to protect our planet for our children and grandchildren.
Sincerely,
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Olver, an Amherst Democrat, represents the 1st Massachusetts District. He is the only Massachusetts representative on the House Appropriations Committee and is chairman of its Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. |
