Energy

Representative Scott Peters Advocates for Cleaner Energy and Energy Efficiency

Since coming to Congress, Scott Peters has prioritized incentivizing and investing in solar, wind, hydroelectric, and bio-based clean energy, as well as increasing energy efficiency and conservation.

Scott is a member of the following caucuses:

• Sustainable Energy & Environmental Coalition
• Congressional Algae Caucus, co-launched by Scott and Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ) in October 2013
• House Energy Saving Performance Caucus
• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus

I. INCENTIVIZING THE GROWTH OF CLEAN ENERGY

Scott Peters supports providing financial incentives and legal support to stimulate clean energy sector growth.

• Scott introduced H.R. 3758, the Second Generation Biofuels Extension Act, which would extend the second generation biofuels producer tax credit, bolstering our green-energy economy
• Scott introduced H.R. 2421, the Renewable Chemicals Parity Act of 2013, which will provide long-overdue eligibility to renewable chemicals projects under the Biorefinery Assistance Program. Renewable chemicals present an opportunity to dramatically increase U.S. chemical manufacturing with new, cleaner, and more efficient renewable pathways.  This legislation was passed as part of the 2013 Farm Bill.
• Scott cosponsored H.R. 2502, the Renewable Energy Parity Act, which would extend the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to clean energy projects that begin construction by the end of 2016.  This would incentivize deployment of solar, wind, thermal, and other renewable energies.
• Scott co-sponsored H.R. 1696, the Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Parity Act, so that renewable energy businesses can take advantage of the same corporate structures that fossil fuel companies currently benefit from, helping to encourage more private capital investment in clean technology.
• Scott voted for H.R. 267, the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act, which streamlines licensing and permitting requirements for hydropower facilities, by imposing deadlines on licensing authorities and exempting small generating units.

Scott sent letters to:

• President Obama, urging him to engage U.S. stakeholders the ongoing international solar trade dispute with China. Scott wants to see all areas of the industry continue to create high-paying jobs for Americans and enhance U.S. energy security. 
• Speaker Boehner, asking that he promptly extend the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC). The PTC, which provides a tax credit for clean energy generation, is crucial for continued private-sector investment and yet expired at the end of 2013.

II. IMPROVING MILITARY ENERGY SECURITY

Scott Peters supports the Department of Defense’s efforts to diversify their energy portfolio, and sees energy diversification as a national security priority.

• Scott introduced H.R. 4536, the Department of Defense Energy Security Act (DODESA) of 2014, which will help DoD reduce energy use, boost combat effectiveness and speed up the development of advanced military technologies.
• Scott cosponsored H.R. 3125, the Biofuels Development Act, which would establish a $25 million pilot program for the Air Force to make competitive grants to support research and development, education, and training for producing a bio-based aviation fuel to be used by the Air Force.
• Scott sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee to support funding under the Defense Production Act to advance the commercialization timeline of U.S. aviation and marine biofuels that are completely interchangeable with conventional fuels, or “drop-in” biofuels.

III. INVESTING IN CLEAN ENERGY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Scott Peters supports investments that advance clean energy research and technology.

• Funding Algae Research: Scott voted for H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, which would fund $30 million for algae research to the Department of Energy (DOE).  A recent SANDAG study found that algae biotechnology research and manufacturing generates approximately 1,020 jobs and $175 million in economic impact for the San Diego region, contributing greatly to its innovation economy.

Scott cosponsored:

• H.R. 2290, the Rural Energy Investment Act, which would extend funding through 2018 for the USDA’s renewable energy programs, aiding bioenergy-related research and education.  The bill also expands the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy production at rural farms and small businesses.
• H.R. 2368, the Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation (GREEN) Act, which would create grants for school districts, universities, and clean energy industry representatives to collaboratively produce curriculums focused on renewable energy careers.
• H.R. 5494, the Incentives for our Nation’s Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies (INVEST) Act, which expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to employers who hire veterans with a certification for renewable energy technology or have used their Montgomery GI bill to complete vocational training in renewable energy fields.

IV. INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION

Scott Peters supports increasing energy efficiency in the government, businesses, and homes.

Scott cosponsored:

• H.R. 4162, the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act, which would provide low-cost capital to manufacturers for energy efficiency investments by supporting innovative financing programs.
• H.R. 2689, the Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act, which would direct energy managers of federal government facilities to evaluate those facilities’ water and energy use, and implement and publically report conservation measures. 
• H.R. 540, the Energy Efficiency Government Technology Act, which would require the use of energy-efficient and energy-saving technologies in federal data centers.