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Ournation's current energy policies pose economic, national security and environmental threats. Yet, as we've seen in Tennessee, new ideas can create economic opportunities, thousands of jobs, and stable energy prices.
For too long, our nation has been dependent on foreign oil. This addiction costs us hundreds of billions of dollars every year and puts our troops in harm's way. Instead of sending money overseas to unfriendly regimes, I believe we can find new, clean solutions for the twenty-first century.
Moreover, protecting the environment is a duty we owe our children and grandchildren. I am proud to have one of the strongest environmental records in Congress. I have consistently received 100% ratings from groups such as the League of Conservation Voters and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. I also helped write the plan in 1990 that dramatically reduced acid rain. This plan has been so successful that it serves as the model for proposed action on climate change.
Recently, I supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Though not perfect, I believe this bill is an important first step away from foreign oil and towards the clean energy solutions that can create thousands of jobs in Tennessee. The bill would reduce the deficit, provide families with thousands of dollars inenergy savings, and eliminate the equivalent of pollution from 500 million cars. Moreover, this bill would set limits for the first time on the greenhouse gas emissions that pose risks to future generations.
RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES:
September 9, 2010∙Tennessee to offer $2,500 rebates on Nissan Leaf∙I was fortunate to have the opportunity to test drive the wonderful Nissan Leaf.
June 26, 2009 ∙ American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 . I voted for H.R. 2454, the AmericanClean Energy and Security Act. Upon thebill’s passage, I issued the following statement: "This bill is a long wayfrom becoming law, but it does jumpstart a national debate that every U.S.President has been begging us to have since the first oil shock in 1973. BothJohn McCain and Obama agreed in the last campaign that we need 'cap and trade'legislation like this. Click here for moreinformation and to see a list of community organizations who support the bill.
May 5, 2009 ∙ Celebrating Earth Day ∙ Myvisit to Southside Elementary School in Lebanon was inspiring. The teachers, students and parents haveembarked on a journey to be the first public elementary school in Tennessee to receive its“green flag” from the Tennessee Department of Education. I am amazed at the fruits of their labors;they’ve created recycling centers, planted educational gardens, and reducedcarbon emissions through carpooling. And the school’s efforts have had a rippleeffect on Southside’s students, who bring Earth-friendly living into theirhomes.
April 9, 2009 ∙ Energy Reform Op-Ed from the Tennessean ∙ How can energy reform strengthen our nation?Read my op-ed from the Tennessean explaining how reform can strengthen theeconomy and save our environment.
March 4, 2009 ∙ Clean Water Protection Act ∙I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Clean Water Protection Act, H.R.1310. This bill will protect our streams and communities from mining waste, andcurb dangerous coal mining practices that have already destroyed 1,200 miles ofstreams throughout Appalachia.
LINKS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Tennessee'sDepartment of Environment and Conservation
United States Environmental Protection Agency
USA Environment, Energy and Agriculture
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