Energy Independence
Comprehensive Energy Solution
America needs a comprehensive energy plan that will create new green jobs, strengthen our national security, grow our economy and protect our environment. Throughout his service in Congress, Rep. Israel has been working to end our dependence on foreign oil and create new green jobs in clean energy technologies.
On June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454). Rep. Israel voted in favor of this legislation. For his letter to constituents and frequently asked questions about the bill, click here. The American Clean Energy and Security Act also included Rep. Israel's provision to expand home retrofit programs
Cash for Clunkers
In January 2009, Rep. Israel introduced original legislation to create a "Cash for Clunkers" vehicle exchange program. The Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act (H.R.520) created a program to provide consumers with vouchers if they traded in an older, inefficient vehicle for a new vehicle with improved fuel efficiency. In June 2009, a compromise version of this legislation passed in the House of Representatives.
Also during the 111th Congress (2009-2010), Reps. Israel and Jay Inslee of Washington launched the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, a House caucus to promote a green energy policy agenda.
Next Generation Energy Security
Rep. Israel has proposed the Next Generation Energy Security Initiative. This landmark plan spurs advanced energy by incentivizing new markets and new supplies – creating the next generation of new jobs.
Here's a summary of the plan:
1. Expand Supply
Rep. Israel’s plan offers investment and production tax credits to companies that are working on renewable energy technologies like wind, solar, hydrogen, and biofuels.
2. Help Trigger Demand
Rep. Israel's plan offers tax incentives for working families to buy energy efficient technologies. His plan would give every American an expanded tax credit for advanced energy purchases – whether it’s an energy efficient appliance or an alternate fuel vehicle.
3. Use the Federal Government's Purchasing Power
Rep. Israel's plan unleashes innovation in America’s auto industry in two ways: First, it commits to replace 50,000 gas-guzzling vehicles in the federal -fleet with advanced technology cars. Second, it provides the auto industry with incentive to boost production of advanced technology vehicles by 2011. And it creates a national security network to research and develop advanced energy security technologies.
Thanks to Congressman Israel’s efforts, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009 included language that triggers the Federal Government to buy energy efficient vehicles.
4. Clean Energy and Local Tax Relief Legislation.
School districts and local governments are major energy users, and that impacts local taxes. One key factor in rising budgets is the increase costs to put fuel in gas guzzling busses and heat aging public buildings. Rep. Israel's proposal helps reimburse school and local governments to invest in new energy technologies – whether its hybrid vehicles or energy-efficient building technologies.
Helpful Links
More on Energy Independence
Washington, DC –Reps. Steve Israel (NY-03), Nita Lowey (NY-17) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced $10 million in funding for Long Island Sound was included in the Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The nearly $6.1 million increase in funding for Fiscal Year 2017 will be used for projects to improve water quality, habitat restoration, and water quality monitoring to improve the health of Long Island Sound.
Washington —Today, Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) announced that he will not seek reelection this November. He released the following statement:
“Nearly 16 years ago, I was honored to take the oath of office and stand on the House Floor for the first time. Now, I’ve decided to leave the House in 2017. I hope to continue to be involved in public service, but it is time for me to pursue new passions and develop new interests, mainly spend more time writing my second novel.
Washington— Congressman Steve Israel (NY-03), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which includes key provisions for New York, including Queens and Long Island. Passed by the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 316-113, the omnibus appropriates $1.1 trillion in spending through FY 2016.
Plainview, NY—Rep. Israel joined U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary Kathleen Hogan and local stakeholders for a signing ceremony announcing a collaborative arrangement in which The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing (IACMI) and the Composite Prototyping Center (CPC) in Plainview will work together to develop advanced composite materials, used in aerospace and car manufacturing, and bring them to market.
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Steve Israel (NY-3), Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Kathleen Rice (NY-4) and Peter King (NY-2) today announced that the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) will receive $21,188,947.15 in federal funding for emergency work and additional protective work done as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The award will be made in two separate grants.
Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) visited the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District to learn about the district’s cutting-edge work utilizing clean technology, including a proposed Grease Receiving Station that increases methane production, generates power and cuts sludge hauling costs. He also learned about the recently-completed $60 million project to upgrade the district’s facility and consolidation with the Village of Great Neck’s sewage system.
“High gas prices have been leaving a hole in Long Islanders’ wallets. Using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reduce gas prices will give families a break,” said Rep. Israel. “However this is only a short-term solution. We need to end our dependence on foreign oil altogether. I hope that my Republican colleagues, who just slashed funding for job-creating renewable energy programs, will reconsider their efforts to turn back the clock on energy advancements and instead work on bipartisan solutions to our energy crisis.”
“For most Long Islanders, getting to the grocery store, getting the kids to school and getting to work means driving – and paying for it at the pump. With gas prices over $4 a gallon, it’s not uncommon to top $50 or $75 in one trip to the gas station,” said Rep. Israel. “Gas prices are hurting families and hurting our nation’s prospects for economic recovery. The time to do something about it is now. A small drawdown of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve could lower prices in a matter of weeks.”
"Making homes energy efficient is a proven job creator, a money saver, and an emissions reducer. For many homeowners, the only thing standing in their way is the front-end cost. Over time, these improvements pay for themselves. The new FHA PowerSaver pilot program will give homeowners a low-cost way to retrofit their homes and reduce their energy bills," said Rep. Israel.
“Today, we are turning trash into treasure. This landfill used to be a hazardous waste site. Now it will be a clean energy producer – generating not just electricity, but also jobs. I’m proud to say that two local companies are working on this project and that we are using ‘Buy America’ qualified solar panels. This is another step toward expanding Long Island’s clean technology economy and creating new green jobs for future generations. I’m grateful to Supervisor Nolan and Councilman Edwards for our partnership on this project,” said Rep. Israel