Energy Independence

I believe we need to move towards energy independence both for our national security and for the safety of our planet.  That is why my sixth vote in the 110th Congress in support of H.R. 6 was to repeal subsides for oil companies and invest those funds in renewable energy.

As a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology and its Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, I remain committed to making energy independence one of my top priorities in Congress. 

Ending America’s addiction to foreign oil, investing in renewable energy—especially solar—and achieving energy independence is the Apollo mission of our generation.  The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that Arizona’s large desert areas offer the highest solar power potential in America.  Arizona has over 300 days of sunshine every year, and, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, we have the potential to produce over 150% of our state’s energy demand with solar energy.

Solar energy is clean, safe and noiseless.  However, we currently only get less than 1% of our energy from solar power.  We should do much more to make Southern Arizona the “Solar-con Valley” of the nation.  I have introduced two bills in Congress to make this vision a reality and developed my Community Solar Energy Initiative—a four point plan to promote solar energy, including: legislation, education and outreach, accountability and transparency, and a solar energy advisory committee.   

  I am determined to lead America in energy independence.  I support:

• a goal of 20% renewable energy use by 2020;
• increasing fuel economy standards for our vehicles to save drivers money at the pump, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases;
• increasing and extending federal tax credits for homeowners and businesses who install solar panels;
• encouraging the development of fuels like ethanol and biofuels, and
• increasing research and development for renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

The road to energy independence will take cooperation and leadership at the local, state, and federal levels of government.  I am committed to working across the aisle to make it possible for our children and grandchildren enjoy a clean, healthy environment in our beautiful state of Arizona and across the nation.

Energy bills I have sponsored in the 110th Congress:

Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2774)

On June 19, 2007 I introduced the Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2774). H.R. 2774 was included in the comprehensive energy package that passed the House in December and was signed by the President. This bill establishes a four-point plan to promote solar power. It calls for:

• A program to create and strengthen solar industry workforce training and internship programs in order to ensure that current and future employees obtain the necessary skills to install, operate and maintain solar energy products;
• A nationwide initiative for private industry and public agencies to demonstrate advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. All states, such as Arizona, that submit qualifying proposals can receive this funding, which will advance the commercial application of solar technology;
• The creation of a research and development program into thermal energy storage technologies for concentrating solar power (CSP). CSP uses mirrors to convert the sun’s energy into heat, which is then used to produce electricity. The focus of the program will be on how to improve storage technology so that solar energy consumers can obtain electricity at night and on cloudy days;
• A report regarding the integration of concentrating solar power plants and regional electricity transmission systems, including how to send electricity from high solar resource areas (such as Arizona) to areas with less solar power;
• An analysis of how to reduce the amount of water consumed by concentrating solar power systems;
• Research and development for solar lighting technology, such as solar light pipes, which is a highly efficient method to create electricity; and
• Research and development for solar air conditioning technology.

Renewable Energy Assistance Act of 2007 (H.R. 3807)

On October 10, 2007 I introduced the Renewable Energy Assistance Act (H.R. 3807). This bill would safeguard vital individual and commercial tax incentives for installing solar energy systems and investing in energy-saving residential upgrades, encouraging research and investment in advanced solar energy and energy-efficient technologies.

Provisions from H.R. 3807 to promote solar energy by extending through 2016 the 30% solar Investment Tax Credit for individuals and businesses and removing an existing barrier preventing public utilities from claiming the tax credit were passed by the House on February 27, 2008 as part of the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act (H.R. 5351).  H.R. 5351 will eliminate approximately $17 billion in subsidies for oil and gas companies and use the savings to fund tax credits and other incentives for renewable energy.