Castor Statement On Energy and Commerce Committee’s Passage Of American Clean Energy and Security Bill

Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding Energy and Commerce’s passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Bill:

“This historic bill makes a critical investment in clean energy jobs, bolsters our national security and protects our environment.

“Together, the Clean Energy Act and the Recovery Plan provide a new foundation for economic recovery, new jobs and clean energy manufacturing. We are going to drive the development of new, clean energy jobs that pay well and cannot be outsourced. American workers will build the wind turbines, the solar panels, the clean cars and a smart electricity grid.

“Renewable energy sources will improve our national security and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. America must become an energy leader and energy independent.

“Scientists and researchers advise that if carbon pollution is not addressed, the Florida coastline could be impacted and hurricanes could become more intense.

“To mitigate the risk of global warming, we must modernize energy policy, bolster science and research and create new clean energy industries and new clean energy jobs in America. Doing nothing is not an option and would be very costly. Other nations already have begun investing heavily in new clean energy infrastructure. We must not wait any longer.”

Castor successfully added a measure to the bill that is designed to expand the use of solar power in Florida and other states. The amendment, with Rep. Jay Inslee of Washington, clarifies that states are allowed to create incentives to promote renewable power, such as solar and wind energy.

“The city of Gainesville is the first city in the nation to adopt a feed in tariff for renewable energy sources. Gainesville will be a magnet for jobs in solar manufacturing,” Castor said. “Other cities and states can be just as successful. We will expand the use of solar power, a great renewable resource, especially in the Sunshine State.”

Castor advocates for Florida on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. She sought the position so she could focus on issues such as energy and health care, some of the biggest issues facing Floridians and this country. The committee is writing and reviewing some of the most significant legislation in decades.