| Energy |
 |
 |
|
MEMBERSHIP Ron Klein, Co-Chair About the Leaders of the Energy Task Force Energy Task Force Co-Chair Ron Klein, who represents Florida's 22nd Congressional District, was sworn in to the United States Congress on January 4th, 2007. An experienced leader with a solid record of service, Ron has developed a reputation for working in a bipartisan manner to find common sense solutions that will improve the lives of Florida's families. Serving on the Financial Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ron is at the crux of the debate on solving the global financial crisis, including finding ways to "green" our economy. Ron has served as a leading advocate in the House of Representatives for ocean energy technology, and has secured federal funding for Florida Atlantic University's ocean energy research center in Dania Beach, Florida. Energy Task Force Co-Chair Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (IL-11) is serving her first term in Congress. She is a member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Small Business. Prior to entering Congress, Halvorson served as an Illinois State Senator from 1997 until 2009, and was the first woman ever to serve as Majority Leader. Halvorson brings experience on energy issues from her time in teh state legislature, having worked to pass a renewable portfolio standard of 25% renewable electricity for Illinois by 2025. She was also a chief co-cosponsor of legislation to implement a renewable fuels standard throughout the state, which is now law. Video - New Dems on Energy: Representative Ron Klein, New Dem Energy Task Force Co-Chair NEW DEMOCRATS' PLAN FOR INVESTING IN AMERICA'S ENERGY FUTURE
The transition to a clean energy future can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship. These goals have always been guiding principles for the New Democratic Coalition. New Dems are committed to passing a robust, market-based approach to address our nation's energy needs. In order to send a message of stability and market certainty to industries affected by federal action on energy issues, New Dems support swift and thoughtful Congressional action. New Dems recognize that our national security, the preservation of our environment and the revitalization of our economy depend on finding common-sense energy solutions. Building a Clean Energy Future Research and Development New Dems believe that we must have a clear and thorough plan to ensure that the U.S. will lead the world in developing advanced vehicle technologies. This will require both public and private investment in leapfrogging the engine technology of today's automakers worldwide and focus on speedily deploying the technology of the future, including advanced battery technology. Ultimately, the transition to next generation vehicles, including electric vehicles, must reduce the transportation sector's impact on the environment and our national security while helping rebuild our domestic manufacturing base. Energy Efficiency New Dems are committed to working towards the implementation of a smarter energy distribution grid that takes into account the nation's growing energy needs, the diverse sources of renewable energy, regional differences in terms of energy resources and production, affordability for businesses and individuals, and energy efficiency management. New Dems support increasing the total amount of advanced renewable biofuels used as part of the country's motor fuel usage to help increase energy security, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve our trade deficit, and create new opportunities for domestic businesses. Market Certainty New Dems seek to encourage private investment in the renewable energy industry by supporting long-term measures that can provide certainty to the markets. At the same time, New Dems support the creation of a Clean Energy Investment Fund to support deployment of clean energy technologies including through direct support of loans, loan guarantees, and other credit enhancements as well as secondary market support to develop products such as clean energy-backed bonds that would allow less expensive lending in the private sector.
|
