America needs a comprehensive energy plan that will create new green jobs, strengthen our national security, grow our economy and protect our environment. Throughout his service in Congress, Rep. Israel has been working to end our dependence on foreign oil and create new green jobs in clean energy technologies.

PACE Bonds

Property Assessed Clean Energy Bonds, or PACE Bonds, are a way to help homeowners save money on their monthly energy costs while creating new green jobs in the U.S. clean energy industry. Rep. Israel has been working to make PACE Bonds available to property owners across the country. Click here for more information on his efforts and a list of resources about PACE Bonds.

Action in the 111th Congress

On June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454). Rep. Israel voted in favor of this legislation. For his letter to constituents and frequently asked questions about the bill, click here. The American Clean Energy and Security Act also included Rep. Israel's provision to expand PACE Bond programs

Rep. Israel serves on the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee, where he has successfully fought against cuts to the federal government's energy efficiency programs.

In January 2009, Rep. Israel introduced original legislation to create a "Cash for Clunkers" vehicle exchange program. The Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act (H.R.520) created a program to provide consumers with vouchers if they traded in an older, inefficient vehicle for a new vehicle with improved fuel efficiency. In June 2009, a compromise version of this legislation passed in the House of Representatives. For more on the Cash for Clunkers program, click here.

Also during the 111th Congress, Reps. Israel and Jay Inslee of Washington launched the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, a House caucus to promote a green energy policy agenda.

Next Generation Energy Security

Rep. Israel has proposed the Next Generation Energy Security Initiative. This landmark plan spurs advanced energy by incentivizing new markets and new supplies – creating the next generation of new jobs.

Here's a summary of the plan:

1. Expand Supply
Rep. Israel’s plan offers investment and production tax credits to companies that are working on renewable energy technologies like wind, solar, hydrogen, and biofuels.

2. Help Trigger Demand
Rep. Israel's plan offers tax incentives for working families to buy energy efficient technologies. His plan would give every American an expanded tax credit for advanced energy purchases – whether it’s an energy efficient appliance or an alternate fuel vehicle.

3. Use the Federal Government's Purchasing Power
Rep. Israel's plan unleashes innovation in America’s auto industry in two ways: First, it commits to replace 50,000 gas-guzzling vehicles in the federal -fleet with advanced technology cars. Second, it provides the auto industry with incentive to boost production of advanced technology vehicles by 2011. And it creates a national security network to research and develop advanced energy security technologies.

Thanks to Congressman Israel’s efforts, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009 included language that triggers the Federal Government to buy energy efficient vehicles.

4. Clean Energy and Local Tax Relief Legislation.
School districts and local governments are major energy users, and that impacts local taxes. One key factor in rising budgets is the increase costs to put fuel in gas guzzling busses and heat aging public buildings. Rep. Israel's proposal helps reimburse school and local governments to invest in new energy technologies – whether its hybrid vehicles or energy-efficient building technologies.

Read Rep. Israel's Next Generation Energy Plan

Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition

Department of Energy