September 2012 E-Newsletter

Sep 1, 2012

In this issue:

 

New Clean Energy Victory Bonds Legislation

Last month, I introduced H.R. 6275, the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act, which gives all Americans the opportunity to invest in new clean energy technologies. This legislation will create over 1.7 million competitive American jobs, increase energy security, and secure our nation’s competitiveness in the rapidly growing field of clean energy technologies.

Hands down our top priority is putting Americans back to work by creating good middle-class jobs. If we can do that and spur the production of clean energy technology at the same time, we will have made tremendous progress. This will give Americans who want to invest in clean energy and create new jobs, the opportunity to do so.

The Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act draws on the powerful history of Americans investing together to ensure our nation’s victories.  During World War II, millions of Americans purchased Victory Bonds, raising over $185 billion for the war effort, the equivalent of over $2 trillion in today’s dollars. 

The Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act provides a way for Americans to invest in our country’s future and ensure that the American economy remains competitive for generations to come.

The legislation also extends the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy which is set to expire at the end of this year.  The PTC is responsible for thousands of jobs which would be put in jeopardy if it expires.

 

Border 2020 Agreement Signing

I recently joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Mexico Environment Minister Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante and other officials for the Border 2020: U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program final framework agreement signing event.

I have been working with our border communities and U.S. and Mexican officials to decrease environmental impacts at the border for over 20 years. I’m glad both the U.S. and Mexico are now coming together to put a formal plan in place to reduce pollution over the next 8 years. Ending the excessive pollution at our border is vital to the health of children who live in our border communities. Neighborhoods on both sides of the border should not be burdened with polluted air and water.

The Border 2020 program is a bi-national effort to improve air pollution, children’s health and increase access to clean water throughout our border region. It also provides environmental targets for the 10 states, 26 U.S. tribes and seven groups of Mexican indigenous people.

 
 

Calling on the California Energy Commission to Reject Quail Brush Power Plant

I urged the California Energy Commission Chair Robert Weisenmiller to take a close look at the destructive impacts the Quail Brush Power plant would have on the San Diego River, Mission Trails Regional Park, and the surrounding communities.

We are talking about toxic air emissions, habitat loss for endangered species, noise and visual degradation, and decreased water quality.  If this project goes forward it will have a detrimental impact not just on this generation, but generations to come.

I have long opposed the proposed location for the Quail Brush Power Plant. 

 

Dr. Allen Chan Nominated for Ellis Island Medal of Honor

I nominated the distinguished Dr. Allen Chan for the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations’ Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of his hard work and leadership in our community. Dr. Chan is well known in San Diego as a Doctor of Chiropractic and founder and CEO of the Jasmine Seafood Restaurant.  He also served as the Charter President of the San Diego United Lions Club.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor was established to pay homage to the immigrant experience and contributions made to America by immigrants.  The medals are awarded to native-born and naturalized U.S. citizens who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage.

 

 

 San Ysidro Health Center 2012 Health Champion

Ed Martinez, CEO of San Ysidro Health Center (left) and Macario Gutierrez, Chairman of the San Ysidro Health Center Board of Trustees (right) recognized Congressman Filner as their 2012 San Ysidro Health Center Health Champion!

 

Constituent Mail Bag

From San Diego:

Thank you for co-sponsoring the "Protect the VA Health Care Act" (H.R. 3895) that excludes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care programs from automatic Sequestration cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act. The Bill will let our injured and wounded veterans know that their health care will not be cut. Your support for this legislation is appreciated.

Congressman Filner Replies:

Thank you for your kind words about my support for protecting VA health care from the possible effects of sequestration.

As the Ranking Member on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I wholeheartedly believe that our country owes a sacred debt to the men and women of our armed forces who render honorable military service! Be assured that I will always stand with our veterans and fight to protect veterans' health care.

I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue!

 

Useful Website: Benefits.gov

Benefits.gov helps citizens determine what government services or programs best meet their needs. Completely anonymous, Benefits.gov helps users access benefit eligibility information through a free, confidential, and easy-to-use screening tool. It asks basic questions about an individual's current situation, and then generates a customized report listing the benefit programs for which the individual may be eligible.