Statement-Rep. Engel: There is Much to Celebrate This Earth Day
New York – April 23, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-16), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement on Earth Day:
“We have a lot to celebrate this year as we honor the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Climate change can no longer be denied, and the United States is leading the global effort to address its threats. In the last year, U.S. production of solar power doubled and wind power outgrew all other sources of energy. We have cut our carbon emissions by 10 percent from 2007 to 2013 – the largest absolute emissions reduction of any country in the world. Renewable energy technologies are not only a tool for combating climate change, but they are also productive drivers of our economy. While costs for wind farms and solar installations are falling, renewable energy jobs are growing rapidly in everything from manufacturing to installation to maintenance. New York is among the nation’s top three job creators thanks largely to significant developments in the solar installation and energy efficiency sectors.
“As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am working hard to unite my colleagues behind policies that will encourage the development of a clean energy economy, tackle the issue of climate change, and protect the air, water, and ecosystems of our planet. In particular, some of the legislation I have proposed includes:
• The Open Fuel Act to encourage new automobiles to operate on multiple clean fuels instead of or in addition to gasoline;
• The Hospital Energy Conservation Act to encourage non-profit hospitals to invest in infrastructure projects that significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency;
• The Offending Oil Polluters Act to prohibit oil polluters from receiving tax benefits for costs associated with cleaning up an oil spill;
• The Electric Transportation Advancement Act to help develop qualified electric transportation projects.
“If you want to join in the efforts to commemorate Earth Day, please consider contacting one of our many local organizations that participate in the activities that honor the goals and ideals of this day. We have only one planet, so let’s work together to protect it.”
