Congressional Watch, June 2009 Edition
HOW THEY VOTED
Climate Change Legislation Passes First Committee
In an historic step, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the landmark Waxman-Markey climate change bill on May 21 by a 33-25 vote. The bill is intended to create new clean energy jobs, reduce global warming pollution, and help move the country away from fossil fuels. The bill garnered the support of 32 of 36 committee Democrats, as well as Republican Rep. Mary Bono Mack of California. To achieve that support, the bills' sponsors lowered emissions caps and renewable fuel standards and provided that a large share of the emissions allowances be given to utilities and other industries to assist the transition to a lower carbon economy. The bill now goes to other House committees that will have a chance to amend it, including the Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over revenue proposals.
See Politico: Climate bill clears House committee
See Washington Post: Democratic support for climate bill broadens
See Detroit News: UAW endorses House Democrats' climate change bill
Visit the League of Conservation Voters Scorecard for the tally of votes by the U. S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES). The Scorecard includes 15 vote tallies (amendments and final vote).
21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act
Rep. Rehberg voted NO on H.R. 2187 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to state educational agencies for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities. The bill passed by a vote of 275 to 155. The bill reserves 2% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools and 5% of the grant funds for local districts serving geographic areas with significant economic distress or recovering from a natural disaster. It allows local districts to give priority to projects involving the abatement, removal, or interim control of asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, mold, mildew, lead-based hazards, or a proven carcinogen.
Nomination of David Hayes to Department of Interior
Sen. Baucus and Sen. Tester voted in support of a motion to move forward with the nomination of environmental lawyer David Hayes as the No. 2 person in Interior. The motion failed to get the necessary 60 votes on a largely partisan vote of 57-39. Democrats vowed to continue bringing up for a vote Mr. Hayes's nomination, which was approved by a Senate panel on March 19.
See Wall Street Journal: GOP Blocks Hayes as No. 2 at Interior Department
TAKE ACTION
Congress returns to work in Washington on June 1. Contact Congressman Rehberg, who will vote on this bill soon as it reaches the House floor and ask him to support stronger clean energy provisions of the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act. Also contact Sen. Baucus and Sen. Tester, who will take this bill up later this summer or fall. Urge them all to support:
- Significant investments in clean energy technologies and energy efficiencies
- A strong market-based cap on carbon emissions - make polluters pay, and reduce pollution
Sign the Petition: I Want Action on CLEAN ENERGY and CUTS in Global Warming POLLUTION
Your name will be added to hundreds of others across Montana to let our Congressional delegation and other elected officials know you want them to make CLEAN ENERGY their priority.
Montanans are hurting. Our failed energy policy is making our economy worse, and adding to global warming. The problem is URGENT! More...
ACTIONS AND OPINIONS
Obama Administration
New York Times: Obama Sets New Auto Emissions and Mileage Rules
WASHINGTON (May 19) - President Obama announced tough new nationwide rules for automobile emissions and mileage standards on Tuesday, embracing standards that California has sought to enact for years over the objections of the auto industry and the Bush administration. More...
PUBLIC OPINION
Pew: Voters Support Congressional Action on Comprehensive Energy and Global Warming Legislation
Want transition to clean, alternative forms of energy, job creation to curb global warming
WASHINGTON, DC (May 14, 2009) - As the House Energy and Commerce Committee prepares to markup the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the Pew Environment Group released national survey findings demonstrating overwhelming support for decisive action on behalf of clean energy jobs, energy independence and reducing the carbon pollution that causes global warming. More...
National Wildlife Federation: New Poll: Americans Call for Action on Clean Energy & Climate
Washington, DC (May 15, 2009) - Americans strongly support legislative proposals that invest in clean energy and cap global warming pollution, according to a summary of responses from registered voters in a poll conducted in April for the National Wildlife Federation.
As the House Energy and Commerce Committee prepares to mark up the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the National Wildlife Federation released national survey findings that show two-thirds of registered voters support all elements of a comprehensive climate and energy plan tested including: new standards for energy efficiency, requirements on utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, capping carbon pollution and requiring energy companies to reduce carbon pollution by 20 percent over the next decade, and a "smart grid" to transmit renewable energy sources. More...
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