Energy & Environment

Arizona has made great progress the past few years in establishing more types of affordable, reliable power, building the first renewable portfolio standard in the country, and aggressively pushing for higher energy-efficiency standards.

I believe Washington must embrace a sound “all of the above” energy solution and take this approach to factories, power plants, and businesses across the country.

Not only should we optimize the use of our traditional energy reserves, but we also should continue to expand into renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, hydro-electric, nuclear and geothermal power. We are seeing many different disruptive technologies and zero-emission facilities in production that we should be supporting across the United States. These are all vital to cleaning our environment, as well as the economic welfare and national security of the United States 

The government must stop picking winners and losers in the industry. Each of these sources must stand on their own in the marketplace, without government-sponsored interference. More and more cities and towns within Congressional District 6 and around Arizona are changing their practices to better use the resources available in a long-lasting, renewable fashion-- there’s a chance for real change.  

Some of the new technology that I have been focusing on includes battery storage, micro-grid development, and carbon capture storage. These are just a few examples of 21st century technology that Arizona is not only leading the way in R&D, but also actual implementation, without oppressive regulatory burdens and mandates. The free market has led to an incredible growth in technologies that has led America to become a net-exporter of energy for the first time in our history, while also reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. As pro-growth, market-based solutions have led to exciting new techniques in soil health, water sustainability, and agricultural research that reduces land-use while increasing crop yields, allowing us to feed our ever-growing planet, I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify new sources of power that will lower our families’ monthly bills and allow our economy to grow. 

I have spoken on the House floor about the different types of environmental technology being produced. To watch floor speeches on energy and environment, click here

More on Energy & Environment

October 26, 2020 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC - Representative David Schweikert joined Representatives Annie Kuster (D-NH), David McKinley (R-WV), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Scott Peters (D-CA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), and Diana DeGette (D-CO) in introducing the Carbon Removal, Efficient Agencies, Technology Expertise (CREATE) Act. This bipartisan legislation authorizes a whole-of-government approach to research, develop, and demonstrate carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology.

August 4, 2020 In The News

Home to the seventh wonder of the world, rolling expanses of forest-covered slopes, the roaring Colorado River, and the beautiful Sonoran Desert, Arizona is truly a special place. Protecting our natural heritage while building up our economy and creating tens of thousands of new jobs should be an imperative for all Arizona leaders.

May 11, 2020 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02) sent a letter to House and Senate Leadership requesting that Arizona receive its fair share of any future funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in COVID-19 legislation.

 

March 16, 2020 In The News

The GOP’s proposed Environmental Plan looks to make permanent tax breaks for companies that reduce emissions. The updated proposal is co-sponsored by a member of Arizona’s congressional delegation and comes at the same time that Arizonans call for new action on climate change.

Just last week, youth activists gathered in front of Phoenix City Hall demanding the city declare a climate emergency and set a deadline of 2030 for Phoenix to become carbon neutral.

February 13, 2020 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today Representatives David Schweikert (AZ-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Joint Long-Term Storage Act to bolster our long-term renewable energy storage capabilities and strengthen our national security. This legislation establishes a joint program between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to integrate current federal efforts to develop long-term energy storage technologies. 

February 12, 2020 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and others to unveil the Carbon Sequestration portion of the House GOP’s Environmental Plan. Congressman Wenstrup and Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) introduced legislation to expand the 45Q carbon sequestration tax credits and make them permanent in the federal tax code.

February 12, 2020 In The News

Amid mounting pressure from Democrats to tackle climate change, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced four bills on Feb. 12 aimed at capturing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming.

The bills are the first plank of a broader climate plan that House GOP lawmakers plan to roll out this Congress to define their stance on the issue ahead of the 2020 elections.

February 6, 2020 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced their call for the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue critical guidance on the 45Q tax credit as quickly as possible.

January 15, 2020 In The News

Technology that would suck carbon dioxide from the air and ocean water could be more quickly scaled up to address climate change now that the military is getting involved, scientists say.

January 8, 2020 In The News

Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., and several other House members on Jan. 8 introduced legislation that would institute a technology-neutral tax credit. The Energy Sector Innovation Credit Act is supported by the American Public Power Association.

Reed was joined in introducing the measure by fellow Ways and Means Committee members Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., Darrin LaHood, R-Ill., Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., David Schweikert, R-Ariz., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J..