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Energy Independence
"Our region has enormous potential to lead the nation in renewable energy development. In Congress, I am working to ensure that we invest in the clean technologies that will create green jobs of the future and reduce our dependence on foreign oil." -Congressman Silvestre Reyes
Congressman Reyes supports investing in technologies that waste less and extract more power from smaller amounts of energy. These effots can go a long way toward reducing both the total amount of energy consumed and reliance on foreign sources of oil. Additionally, greater investment in research and development to increase the production of renewable forms of energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal sources will help reinvigorate the economy and spur the creation of new jobs.
Focusing Local Efforts for Maximum Impact
Congressman Reyes co-hosted the Green Summit with the City of El Paso and Fort Bliss to engage regional stakeholders, maximize our area's resources, and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Participants heard from federal, state, and city officials on sustainability measures and incentives; regional universities on research, development, and emerging science and engineering fields; regional utilities on innovative energy efficiency upgrades and new delivery technology; as well as workforce development groups helping to create a new skilled labor force.
Fort Bliss Net Zero Designation
Congressman Reyes worked with Fort Bliss to secure designation of the post as one of only two installations to launch the cutting-edge “Net Zero” Pilot Project to lead the Army’s energy, water, and waste conservation efforts. With both access to natural resources and a strong commitment to use all available assets to address our nation's energy challenges, Fort Bliss is the best location for this Army initiative.
Federal Investments to Spur Innovation
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included funding to combat global climate change, including $2 billion for research into batteries for electric cars; $500 million to help workers train for “green jobs;” $11 billion to invest in “smart grids;” and several billion to modernize federal buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. The bill extends tax credits for producing electricity from renewable sources and repeals limitations on renewable energy tax credits.
Congressman Reyes supported this legislation which directed $28.7 million for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the region, including $5.8 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding for the City of El Paso, over $1 million for El Paso Electric's smart grid technology, and $5 million for El Paso County to work with Fort Bliss to explore geothermal resources.
The Consumer Assistance to Recycle & Save (CARS) Act - The CARS Act, also known as the “Cash for Clunkers” bill, provided up to $4,500 in rebates toward the purchase of new, more fuel efficient vehicles. This legislation is particularly important for border communities such as El Paso where vehicles often idle the international bridges. This bill will reduce the amount of harmful emissions and will decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act - Congressman Reyes and his Democratic colleagues crafted comprehensive energy legislation to promote investment in renewable and clean energy, carbon capture and sequestration, clean electric vehicles, and smart grid electricity transmission technologies to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and begin cutting our dependence on foreign oil. While the bill did not become law, it laid out a path forward to cut U.S. emissions by 17% compared to 2005 levels in 2020, by 42% in 2030, and by 83% in 2050.
Press Releases
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TODAY REYES TO HIGHLIGHT ARRA'S SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN EL PASO'S NEW SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM
10.21.2011
News Articles
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U.S. official likes what he sees on tour of Mesa bus transit corridor
2.26.2011
News Articles
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Vinton residents can get help with homes, renovations
12.15.2010
Press Releases
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FEDERAL RECOVERY ACT FUNDS TO TRANSFORM VACANT EL PASO PROPERTY TO 'GREEN' AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY
12.9.2010
News Articles
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El Paso plans 32 electric-car charging sites
12.23.2009
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