Letters From Washington

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Comment by Robert Schultz on August 25, 2009 at 1:15pm

Dear Robert,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2009 (NAT Gas Act). I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this important issue.

I believe we need a comprehensive energy policy. Since being elected, I have supported efforts that would develop alternative sources of energy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The NAT Gas Act is another element of this policy that should be examined. It would amend the tax code to encourage alternative energy investments. In addition, it would require 50 percent of all new vehicles purchased or placed in service by the U.S. government before December 31, 2014, to be capable of operating on compressed or liquefied natural gas. H.R. 1835 has been referred to the House Ways and Means, Government Reform and Oversight, and Science and Technology Committees. I will keep your views in mind as this bill moves through the House.

In addition to legislative efforts, I formed a bi-partisan Congressional Hydropower Caucus with Chairwoman Grace Napolitano, Congressman Jim Costa of California , and Adrian Smith from Nebraska . The Caucus' focus is to educate members of Congress and their staff about the renewable, clean and emissions-free nature of hydropower, including protecting conventional hydropower resources. In addition, the Caucus will examine tidal, ocean and hydrokinetic generation technologies, especially as it relates to the ongoing global climate change debate and increasing our Nation's domestic energy supply.

Americans are concerned about energy and rightfully want Congress to harness American ingenuity. Developing our energy resources is an important step in the long-term strategy of reducing our dependence on foreign oil. We can and we must start meeting American energy needs with American resources.

Thanks again for contacting me on this important issue. It is an honor to represent the people of Eastern Washington . I invite you to visit my website at www.mcmorrisrodgers.house.gov for additional information or to sign up to be kept up to date on these issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Best Wishes,

Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Member of Congress

Comment by Chandrashekar Tamirisa on August 18, 2009 at 8:40pm

Dear Mr. Tamirisa:

Thank you for contacting me about national energy policy and your support for domestic natural gas. It's great to hear from you.

I agree that the development of alternative energy sources must be an American priority. You point out several reasons why investing in the natural gas industry will help alleviate our dependence on foreign oil.

The United States is the world's largest consumer of petroleum. As a country, we consume 24% of the world's petroleum but produce only 10%. Also, gas prices are currently putting a tremendous burden on family budgets at a time when they are already stretched. That is why it is crucial that we focus on finding a way to lower energy costs and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.

I support an energy plan that increases domestic energy supplies in a responsible manner. I am also committed to investment in alternative and renewable energy sources. We need a long-term energy plan that balances traditional sources of energy with alternative energy sources and conservation.

Thank you again for contacting me about. Know that I will continue to fight for a sound energy policy that decreases our reliance on foreign oil and moves our country towards renewable and cleaner sources of energy. Please contact me if I may be of assistance to you in the future.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator

Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. The originating e-mail account is not monitored. If you would like to get in touch with me again, please visit my Webform at http://mikulski.senate.gov/Contact/contact.cfm

Comment by Christopher and Daniela Rabalais on August 15, 2009 at 4:33am

Thank you for contacting me regarding natural gas. I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Natural gas is a valuable domestic asset that is abundant and cost-effective, and the cleanest-burning fossil-fuel available. The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) holds undiscovered recoverable reserves of 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. With the United States currently consuming natural gas at a rate of roughly 23 trillion cubic feet per year, there is a 20-year supply of domestic natural gas off American shores.

Not only will expanded OCS development move us closer to energy independence, it will strengthen our economy and create stable, well-paying jobs. A December 2008 study conducted by economists and the American Petroleum Institute (API) indicates the potentially broad economic impacts from leveraging these available resources. The study projects that in the year 2030 alone, OCS production would result in more than $8 billion in private sector economic output. It would add nearly 40,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in income for American workers. The benefits of the OCS are clear; now, we must take decisive steps to develop this valuable source of domestic oil and natural gas.

I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue that is important to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senator

284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5922 (tel)
202-224-0776 (fax)
http://hutchison.senate.gov

Comment by Christopher and Daniela Rabalais on August 3, 2009 at 7:36pm

Dear Mr. Rabalais:



Thank you for contacting my office regarding energy issues. I appreciate your thoughts on this important matter.



I am committed to reducing the United States' dependency on foreign sources of oil. We cannot rely on unstable regions in the world to supply our energy. Exploring domestic sources of energy will reduce our reliance and drive down our oil and gasoline prices at home. The United States should explore all alternatives to eliminate our foreign energy dependence. This includes developing wind, solar, nuclear, and other practical energy alternatives. But America should also use the abundant energy we have in this country - natural gas, crude oil, and clean coal.



Prohibiting exploration of domestic sources of energy leaves the United States vulnerable to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) price fixing. OPEC's control has led to a low supply and high prices of oil over the past few years.



In response to this I have introduced the DRILL NOW Act (H.R. 1143). This bill allows for further exploration of natural resources while rewarding states that want to control their own energy supply and continue respecting the environment. The DRILL NOW Act allows states to decide on drilling off their shores and share in the millions of dollars that are paid by oil and gas companies to the federal government for leases. This will bring more crude oil and natural gas to the US while creating more jobs and would keep American money in America.



I will only support practical legislation that takes advantage of our domestic energy resources without tax increases on the American consumer.


Thank you again for contacting me with your thoughts. For additional information regarding current legislation and my representation of the Second District, please refer to my website at poe.house.gov. While you are visiting the website, be sure to sign up for my electronic newsletter.


God and Texas,











TED POE

Member of Congress

TEXAS



TP\ac


God and Texas,

TED POE
Member of Congress
TEXAS

Comment by Missy Steichen on August 3, 2009 at 12:55pm

A letter received from Congressman Jim Oberstar - MN, today:

Ms. Missy Steichen

Duluth, Minnesota 55804

Dear Ms. Steichen:

Thank you for sharing with me your support of the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2009 (H.R. 1835). I appreciate your advocacy.

H.R. 1835 would encourage greater use of natural gas as a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel. The bill proposes extending three major tax incentives to expand the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, creating tax credits for automakers that produce natural gas vehicles, and requiring the federal government to use natural gas vehicles for at least half of the additions to its fleet by 2014.

The legislation was introduced April 1, 2009, and referred to a number of House committees for review. I will keep your support of H.R. 1835 in mind if it comes to the House floor for a vote.

I believe our country must develop comprehensive energy policy that draws on a broad array of options to ending our addiction to foreign oil. The use of natural gas is certainly one of those options worth studying.

With best wishes.


Sincerely,


James L. Oberstar, M.C.

Comment by Robert Schultz on August 3, 2009 at 10:14am

Response from Senator Murray...always the first of my Senators and Representatives to respond.

Dear Mr. Schultz:

Thank you for contacting me regarding our national energy policy. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

At present, our nation is faced with a growing global demand for energy, a severe reliance upon fossil fuels, record high energy prices, and environmental concerns surrounding many of our current energy supplies. I know that Washington state families are struggling with soaring energy costs, but they also want cleaner forms of energy and a more diversified national energy policy that lessens our dependence on foreign oil. I believe it will take American innovation and smart policies that encourage conservation, energy efficiency, and increase renewable energy research and development to address this critical issue and create a comprehensive national energy policy.

Throughout my tenure in the United States Senate, I have supported energy policies that benefit consumers and encourage diversification of our nation's energy sources. As a member of both the Senate Budget and Appropriation Committees, I have fought for increased funding of important alternative energy research and development programs across the nation and in Washington State. In order to encourage private sector development of new forms of energy technology, I have consistently supported higher fuel economy standards for vehicles and federal tax incentives to help spur investment in renewable energy sources. In addition, I believe it is vital that Congress works to lower energy prices and increase energy independence without sacrificing environmental protections or hurting the economy.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, included unprecedented investments in energy development. ARRA includes funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements and state and local government energy grants, as well as funding to "green" government buildings, such as schools and college facilities. ARRA also created and extended a number of tax credits, including incentives for renewable energy electricity production, home efficiency improvements, and alternative fuels & vehicles. Provisions such as these will stimulate investment in renewable energy sources, reward home owners and business owners for increasing their energy efficiency, and help America become a world leader in the production and use of advanced energy technology.

Like you, I am deeply concerned about record-high energy prices and our continuing dependence on foreign oil. Although responsible increased domestic production should be part of our national energy policy, I firmly believe that we must move forward with progressive policies that promote alternative energy, energy conservation and efficiency. Be assured, I will be working to ensure that we institute a sensible, comprehensive energy policy that focuses on renewable energy and decreases our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.

Energy policy is one of the most critical issues facing our nation. We must move forward with progressive policies that fund alternative energy development and work in conjunction with sound environmental policy. Please be assured I will keep your views in mind and continue working with my colleagues to create comprehensive energy policies that increase our energy independence, lower energy prices, and diversify our energy sources. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Thank you for contacting me, and please do not hesitate to contact me again.


I hope all is well in Spokane.

Senator Patty Murray

Comment by Leslie G. on July 31, 2009 at 5:49am

Track your Senators' and Representative's votes. Sign up for Megavote.

Comment by Chandrashekar Tamirisa on July 30, 2009 at 7:16pm

Dear Mr. Tamirisa:

Thank you for sharing your support for stronger regulation of coal ash. I share your concerns about the health and environmental risks that poorly maintained coal ash poses to communities. As a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee (EPW), I believe that we need much stricter standards to prevent future environmental disasters like last year's massive coal ash spill in Kingston, Tennessee. I am working hard with my Senate colleagues to address this serious problem.

Coal ash contains hazardous chemicals like arsenic and selenium that often seeps into ground water and lakes. Improperly managed coal ash can pose significant risks to human and environmental health. I am also concerned that more coal fired power plant operators are looking at using coal ash slurry detention ponds as means to reducing their plant emissions. In addition to stronger regulation, we need to work with the coal industry to develop new technology and methods to deal with this potential problem.

I am a co-sponsor of S.Res.64, (introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)), which calls for stricter standards and oversight to help prevent coal ash spills and improve the management and proper disposal of coal combustion ash. Furthermore, this resolution calls on the Tennessee Valley Authority to be a national leader in technology innovation, low-cost power, and environmental stewardship. It has been referred to EPW where it awaits further action.

You may also be interested to know that I introduced the Appalachia Restoration Act (S. 696) on March 25, 2009. My hope is to put a stop to the destructive practices of valley fills associated with mountaintop coal mining. Mountaintop removal coal mining has already destroyed some of America's most beautiful and ecologically significant regions and my aim is to stop this destructive practice. My legislation would amend the Clean Water Act to prevent the dumping of what is known as "excess spoil" from mountaintop mining into streams and rivers. While coal will most likely be a part of our future energy portfolio, it is not necessary to destroy our mountaintops and bury streams to fulfill our energy needs.

Again, thank you for contacting me about this important problem. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of concern to you.

Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.

Comment by Christopher and Daniela Rabalais on July 29, 2009 at 7:01am

Dear Mr. Rabalais:

Thank you for contacting me about our nation’s energy policy, I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this issue. Congress must continue to pass common sense, bipartisan legislation that increases domestic energy production, encourages development of renewable and alternative energy, and sets America on a course to energy independence.

Energy prices are a direct result of worldwide demand, and America's ability to stabilize fluctuating prices and ensure energy security is strengthened with increased domestic energy production. On September 30, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the Fiscal Year 2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act (P.L. 110–329). Included in this measure is a repeal of moratoriums restricting drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) as well as oil shale development in Western states. By not renewing these moratoria, our country has taken an important step to secure our nation’s energy independence and combat rising energy prices. Our nation must fully utilize the vast wealth of our domestic energy resources at home rather than relying on foreign nations, some of which are potentially hostile to the United States. Additionally, I strongly support the responsible exploration of our domestic energy reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR).

Furthermore, while the United States must reduce our reliance on foreign oil by increasing domestic production, the use of renewable and alternative energy is a key element in achieving long-term energy security for the United States. That is why I strongly believe that innovation and technological advances in areas such as clean coal, nuclear, biomass, wind and solar energy play a vital role in meeting our future energy needs. Expanding these energy sources will increase efficiency and promote conservation. Texas is the nation's leading wind energy producer, and I strongly support Texas becoming a leader in all renewable and alternative energy sources. In short, our nation’s energy policy must promote the development of all sources of energy—renewable, alternative, and fossil fuels—while also encouraging fuel efficiency and conservation measures.

You may be certain that I will continue to advocate for comprehensive energy legislation that uses more American natural resources and limits our dependence on foreign sources of oil. For more detailed information regarding energy legislation and policies that I support, I encourage you to visit my website at www.cornyn.senate.gov. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator





517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

Comment by Chandrashekar Tamirisa on July 28, 2009 at 4:02pm

Dear Mr. Tamirisa:
 
Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to the construction of new coal power plants. It=s great to hear from you.
 
I absolutely agree with you that protecting our environment is crucial to ensuring public health. Since coming to Congress, I have worked hard to fight pollution and to protect our natural resources for future generations.
 
You can be sure that I will fight for more renewable energy, like wind and solar, while strengthening the environmental regulations for our coal power plants and safeguarding the thousands of jobs in the mining industry.
 
I also want you to know that I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Cleaner, Greener, and Smarter Act of 2009 (S.5) which calls for legislation to improve the economy and the security of the United States by reducing U.S. dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and the risks of global warming.
 
I appreciate your input on this critical issue. Please let me know if I may be of assistance in the future.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator


Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. The originating e-mail account is not monitored.

If you would like to get in touch with me again, please visit my Webform at http://mikulski.senate.gov/Contact/contact.cfm

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