Dear Auntie Nanuuq:
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about the American Clean Energy and Security Act. I appreciate you taking the time to share your views with me. I voted for the bill when it came before the House of Representatives.
Protecting our environment, both around the world and here in the San Fernando Valley, is one of my top legislative priorities. I have consistently earned a 100 percent vote rating from the Sierra Club for my work in Congress. I will continue to work closely with them and other important environmental groups to pass meaningful laws to preserve and protect the environment. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the many steps I have taken to fight for a clean and healthy environment.
American Clean Energy and Security Act
In June, I helped pass through the House of Representatives the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454). This historic legislation is an important effort to help America achieve energy independence and fight global warming. It will create millions of jobs in the green energy sector, reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and help curb greenhouse gas emissions. The world economy is rapidly moving towards greater reliance on green technology, and we must act now in order to continue to be the world's leader in the transition to a green economy. The legislation promotes innovation and makes long-term investments in technology that will benefit our economy and create jobs for years to come.
Additionally, energy rebates and tax credits would be offered to low-income households to offset costs, while keeping energy costs low for all Americans. There would be no deficit increase as a result of the legislation. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy recently released a study stating that the legislation could save approximately $750 per household by 2020 and $3,900 per household by 2030.
The legislation passed the House by a vote of 219 to 212. The Senate has not yet acted on this legislation. I will continue to update you on its progress.
Allowed California to Regulate Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
California leads the nation in passing progressive environmental policies. California passed regulations to require motor vehicles, manufactured in the 2009 model year and after, to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Under this plan, by 2016 greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles would be about 30% below the 2002 vehicle fleet emissions level.
While the federal government has the authority to set nationwide standards for motor vehicle emissions, California has a unique status which permits it to apply for a waiver from the EPA to allow the state to enact its own state-wide standards.
On December 19, 2007, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California's waiver request to allow the state to regulate motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. He made this decision despite career EPA staff unanimously advising him to grant California the waiver. His decision ignored precedent -- California had been granted all of its prior 53 waiver requests. On January 2, 2008, California filed suit challenging the Administrator's decision.
I introduced the Right to Clean Vehicles Act (H.R.609) along with Congressman Welch to remedy the situation. In January, President Obama directed the EPA to reconsider the Bush Administration's past denial of the waiver request. On June 30, 2009, the EPA granted a waiver to California to allow the state to maintain its regulations. California can now continue to lead the nation in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Santa Monica Mountains and Rim of the Valley
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a national treasure right in our backyard, and it is the world's largest urban national park. Over the years, I have secured more than $20 million to enhance and maintain this scenic area.
I helped introduce and pass into law The Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act, along with my colleague Adam Schiff. This legislation directs the Secretary of Interior to study the feasibility of expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the area known as the "Rim of the Valley Corridor." The Rim of the Valley Corridor includes areas within the Santa Susana Mountains, just north of Granada Hills and Northridge. The study will explore ways to protect wildlife populations, establish connections along the Rim of the Valley Trail system, preserve access to open space and recreation, and respect the needs of nearby communities.
This is only a brief update of some of my work to preserve and protect our environment. I encourage you to contact my office with your ideas and concerns about the environment or any other federal issues that interest you.
I'd also like you to follow me on Twitter by visiting Twitter.com/BradSherman, or become my fan on Facebook. My official government Facebook page is registered as "Congressman Brad Sherman."
BRAD SHERMAN
Member of Congress
BJS:MD
Sincerely,
Brad Sherman
Member of Congress
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