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Energy Independence
"Our region has enormous potential to lead the nation in renewable energy development. America must invest in the clean technologies that will create green jobs of the future and reduce our dependence on foreign oil." -Congressman Silvestre Reyes
Congressman Reyes believes that investing in technologies that waste less and extract more power from smaller amounts of energy can go a long way toward reducing the total amount of energy we consume and make us less reliant on foreign sources of oil. Additionally, greater investment in research and development to increase the production of renewable forms of energy such as solar, wind, and biothermal sources will help reinvigorate our economy and spur the creation of new jobs.
Congressman Reyes co-hosted the 2009 Green Summit with the City of El Paso and Fort Bliss in November 2009 to engage regional stakeholders in how to maximize our area's resources and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Participants heard from federal, state, and city officials on sustainability measures and incentives; regional universities on research, development, and emerging science and engineering fields; regional utilities on innovative energy efficiency upgrades and new delivery technology; as well as workforce development groups helping to create a new skilled labor force.
Legislation in the 111th Congress
H.R. 1 – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Signed into law February 17, 2009)
Earlier this year, Congress passed and President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law. I voted in favor of this critical legislation, which is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.
This bill also included several important steps to combat global climate change, including $2 billion for research into batteries for electric cars; $500 million to help workers train for “green jobs;” $11 billion to invest in “smart grids;” and several billion to modernize federal buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency, among other incentives for renewable energy. Additionally, the Act extends tax credits for producing electricity from renewable sources and repeals limitations on energy tax credits for those who use renewable energy sources.
Congressman Reyes' support of this legislation facilitated the allocation of over $28.7 million in Recovery funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the region. These awards include $5.8 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding for the City of El Paso, over $1 million for El Paso Electric's smart grid technology, and $5 million for El Paso County to work with Fort Bliss to explore geothermal resources on the post.
H.R. 2751 - The Consumer Assistance to Recycle & Save (CARS) Act “Cash for Clunkers bill” (Signed into law June 24, 2009)
The Consumer Assistance to Recycle & Save (CARS) Act, also known as the “Cash for Clunkers” bill, provided up to $4,500 in rebates toward the purchase of new, more fuel efficient vehicles. This legislation is particularly important for border communities such as El Paso where everyday thousands of vehicles are stalled at the international bridges for several hours. This bill will not only help reduce the amount of harmful emissions into our environment but will also help decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil. This legislation benefited many local residents who needed a little extra help during these difficult economic times.
The legislation authorized $4 billion for a national voucher program to provide rebates on purchases of, or leases of up to five years on, new vehicles with higher fuel efficiency standards. Vouchers ranged in value from $3,500 to $4,500 depending on the level of fuel efficiency.
H.R. 2454 - The American Clean Energy and Security Act (passed by the House of Representatives June 26, 2009)
This legislation promotes investments in renewable and clean energy, carbon capture and sequestration, clean electric vehicles, and smart grid electricity transmission technologies to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and begin cutting our dependence on foreign oil. One of the main objectives of H.R. 2454 is to cut U.S. emissions by 17% compared to 2005 levels in 2020, by 42% in 2030, and by 83% in 2050. The bill also promotes greater investments in energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry. The Congressman believes the region has tremendous potential to develop
a strong clean energy industry based on solar, geothermal, biofuel, and
wind sources. El Paso can use the investments in this bill to become a major center for renewable energy research, development, and technology.
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