Issue Position: Clean Air, Clean Energy

Issue Position

Protecting Clean Air

Big Polluters and their friends continue to stand in the way of safe limits on pollutants such as mercury, arsenic, and particulate matter. Seniors, children, and those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma are particularly at risk from the polluters' irresponsible efforts. I will continue my efforts to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is allowed to do its job to protect public health by updating and improving Clean Air Act standards. By clicking here you can view a speech I delivered on the House floor in opposition to a bill that would have undermined cornerstone environmental protections.

Accelerating the Clean Energy Economy

Encouraging the expansion of renewable energy is vital for protecting our planet and our national security. With my support, Congress has expanded tax incentives for renewable power and provided resources to help finance renewable energy facilities.

Our economic recovery depends on creating a robust green collar economy. Texas is well positioned to reap the benefits of a clean energy economy. Solar resource potential in Texas is among the highest in the nation, and Texas already ranks first for installed wind capacity. I am a sponsor of the American Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit Extension Act, which would extend this important incentive.

While addressing our national debt and long-term fiscal challenges is important, we must also protect provisions for our national parks and wildlife services, and incentives for alternative energy. I support a responsible combination of cuts to agriculture subsidies and more revenue by cutting tax subsidies for Big Oil and asking those at the top to share a greater responsibility in reducing the deficit.

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