Energy and Environment
We can’t compete in a 21st century economy with a 20th century energy policy. We need to develop a national energy policy focused on two goals: 1) becoming a global leader in domestic energy production and alternative energy technology and 2) properly responding to climate change. For this reason, I am proud to be a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.
Increasing sustainable energy production isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for the economy. Just as the global economy in the 20th century was profoundly shaped by oil and gas production, the nations that provide new energy solutions that reflect the realities of climate change will thrive in the 21st century. With a skilled workforce and a growing green energy sector along the I-270 corridor, Maryland is well-positioned to be a part of our national alternative energy sector.
We must support funding for research and development for alternative energy and provide adequate funding to the Army Corps of Engineers, who help build and maintain our energy infrastructure. I am a cosponsor of multiple pieces of legislation which encourage further development of alternative energy sectors in the United States.
As the 113th Congress moves forward, I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive national energy policy that realizes the promise and potential of clean energy and energy independence.
More on Energy and Environment
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has filed legislation designed to help states combat climate change and meet new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements on greenhouse gas emissions. In June, the EPA proposed new regulations for existing power plans under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The State’s Choice Act mandates that the EPA allow a state level excise tax as a compliance option.
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has submitted a formal comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the agency’s proposed rule to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants. Writing to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Delaney asked that the agency give “strong consideration to allowing states the additional compliance option of placing a price on greenhouse gas emissions.”
WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed legislation to reinstate the C&O Canal National Historical Park Commission (S. 476). Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) was an original cosponsor of the House version of the legislation (H.R. 2255) which was first introduced in 2013 by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) with Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10) also as an original cosponsor of the House bill. In the Senate, the legislation was sponsored by Senator Benjamin Cardin (MD) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD).
WASHINGTON – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new proposed rule to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants. The new carbon standards require power plants to reduce their 2005 greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
Under today’s rule, states can meet EPA standards by creating demand-side energy efficiency programs, renewable energy standards, efficiency improvements, energy storage technology, conservation programs, or cap and trade programs.
Ahead of New EPA Guidelines Delaney Op-Ed in Washington Post Calls for State-Based Carbon Tax Option
WASHINGTON – Sunday’s print edition of the Washington Post featured an op-ed by Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) arguing that new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions should allow states the option of implementing a carbon tax as their means of compliance. The EPA is scheduled to announce new emission standards for power plants on Monday, beginning a process in which each state will be tasked with developing their implementation plan.
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has released a discussion draft of The State’s Choice Act, which is designed to improve the nation’s response to climate change, empower states to adopt market-based solutions, provide businesses with greater certainty, and spur a faster transition to an alternative energy economy.
WASHINGTON – Today’s Financial Times featured an editorial on the “moribund” state of support for infrastructure in the United States and argued that Congressman John K. Delaney’s Partnership to Build America Act (H.R. 2084) should be a part of the solution. The Financial Times concluded, “the Delaney bill deserves to be passed.”
On April 30, 2014, the Financial Times published an editorial on the state of U.S. infrastructure, arguing that "US economic growth is increasingly constrained by ever-lengthening commutes, transport delays and glitches."
One of the solutions proposed by the paper is the Partnership to Build America Act (H.R. 2084), which currently has over 30 Republican and 30 Democratic cosponsors.
The paper writes:
WASHINGTON – Pepco Holdings, the utility company that provides power to hundreds of thousands of Sixth District residents, has agreed to be purchased by Exelon.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement:
Today the United States celebrates Earth Day, recognizing the importance of the environment to our communities, our economy and our future. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, Maryland’s natural resources represent an economic and environmental treasure. As our country faces tremendous environmental challenges, we must act on our commitment to defend our environment and protect our natural resources for generations to come.