Energy

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been working to ensure Congress puts in place a comprehensive, job-creating energy policy to make clean, renewable American energy a foundation for our economic recovery. For far too long we’ve neglected investments in common sense energy policy, such as improving efficiency, increasing conservation and expanding use of renewable energy sources. As Congress continues to work on legislation to achieve energy independence, I will continue to support policies that create millions of clean-energy jobs, reduce our costly and dangerous dependence on fossil fuels, and combat global warming.

 I recently voted in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) when it was considered by the Energy and Commerce. This comprehensive legislation 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. Click here to learn more about H.R. 2454

The Energy and Commerce Committee held several hearings this year on energy and climate change policy. Additionally, H.R. 2454 was the subject of several legislative hearings.

Earlier this year I introduced legislation, the Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act (H.R. 2323), to improve the public health response to climate change, which was incorporated into the text of H.R. 2454.

Global warming is expected to worsen many health problems, including heat-related illness, diarrheal and other infectious diseases, and respiratory illness associated with ozone and allergens in the air. My bill would direct the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a national strategic action plan for addressing the impacts of climate change on public health. It would also authorize funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research the health effects of climate change, as well as bolster climate change preparedness planning around the country.

I have also introduced legislation, the Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act (H.R. 1905), to help coastal states tackle the incredible challenges they will face as climate change worsens. This bill provides coastal states with incentives to develop and implement plans to help them prevent and prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, increased erosion, and marine and terrestrial habitat changes.

In addition, I introduced theCoastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act (H.R. 1690), to ensure that the U.S. develops our offshore renewable resources, such as wind, solar, wave and ocean current energy, in an efficient and environmentally-friendly manner. This bill will help the U.S. achieve a clean energy future by encouraging coastal states, in consultation with Federal agencies, to identify areas that are suitable for the development of offshore renewable energy projects. This will help guarantee that responsible offshore energy development occurs in a timely manner, in the right locations, and protects the public interest.

I have also cosponsored the following bills of interest:

• American Renewable Energy Act (H.R. 890)
• Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) Program Act (H.R. 1778)
• Smart Grid Advancement Act (H.R. 1774)
• Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (H.R. 2640)

Environment

I was proud to support the Omnibus Public Land Management Act (H.R. 146) earlier this year. This legislation was the most significant conservation bill to be enacted by Congress in the last 15 years. Not only will the bill boost economic development and tourism at 160 American sites, it creates 2 million new acres of wilderness across 9 states, establishes 3 new national park units, designates 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and designates a National Monument and 3 National Conservation Areas. I was also proud that several pieces of stand alone legislation I introduced in the 111th Congress were incorporated into H.R. 146:

• H.R. 368, the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act: This legislation codifies and strengthens an existing NOAA program – the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). CELCP provides federal funds to purchase and protect some of our nation’s most sensitive coastal areas to ensure the economic and ecological health of our coastal communities. In the 23rd district, this program has protected lands on the Gaviota Coast, around the Morro Bay Estuary, and the near the Piedras Blancas Light Station.

• H.R. 367, the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act: In order to better safeguard our coastal communities and the nation, we must invest in the integration and enhancement of our coastal and ocean observing systems. This legislation directs the President to establish a National Integrated Ocean and Coastal Observing System to support national defense, marine commerce, navigation safety, energy siting and production, and ecosystem-based management; promote public outreach, training, and education; advance scientific research; and improve measurement, tracking, and prediction of climate change and natural climate variability.

I have also cosponsored the following bills of interest:

• OCEANS-21 (H.R. 21)
• Toxic Right to Know Act (H.R. 776)
• National Landscape Conservation System Act (H.R. 404)
• Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act (H.R. 2192)