[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1393-E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 ENERGY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 12, 2009

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank 
Rep. Ellison for holding this special order tonight as Congress works 
to break away from business-as-usual with regards to our nation's 
energy future.
  I would also like to thank the Chairs of the Congressional 
Progressive Caucus, Representatives Woolsey and Grijalva, for your 
leadership and your tireless efforts to promote proper stewardship of 
our communities by protecting the environment.
  It is so important that we continue to call for action on these 
issues surrounding global warming and the continued degradation of our 
environment that is perpetuated by our dependence on fossil fuels.
  As I have said time and time again--there is no denying the 
interconnection between our stewardship of the environment and the 
state

[[Page E1394]]

of the economy, public health, and our communities.
  The drastic acceleration of greenhouse gas emissions has often been 
concentrated in low-income and minority communities, putting these 
vulnerable populations on the ``front lines'' of the fight against 
environmental degradation and global climate change.
  Simply put, climate change has, and will continue to exacerbate the 
problem of poverty and inequality, and none of us can afford to take 
this lightly.
  The health of our community and our neighbors affects all of us.
  Let me take a moment to reflect upon the urgent need to finally put a 
price on carbon emissions and make polluters pay for the pollution they 
produce.
  As a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I look forward 
to working with my colleagues here in Congress to pass responsible and 
comprehensive climate legislation that will establish a price for 
carbon emissions and spur the development of clean, renewable energy 
and the deployment of much-needed energy efficient technologies.
  Legislation which sets us on the path toward energy independence and 
a new, low-carbon economy will help to maintain the United States 
position as a leader in innovation while at the same time creating 
hundreds of thousands of good paying green jobs.
  The biggest misconception out there today regarding our environment 
is that the public isn't engaged, or willing to transition to a 
sustainable, environmentally-friendly economy.
  In reality, the shift to a low-carbon economy represents an economic 
opportunity for individuals across this country.
  One of the most exciting and inclusive solutions to the many issues 
facing environmental health is the possibility afforded to us by 
promoting Green Jobs Training and the growth of the Green Economy in 
America.
  To that end, I have reintroduced legislation entitled the Metro 
Economies Green Act, or MEGA, H.R. 330, which establishes grant 
programs to encourage energy-efficient economic development and green 
job training and creation.
  This legislation would also create a national institute to serve as a 
clearinghouse for best practices information in order to facilitate the 
successful expansion of the green jobs movement on a national scale.
  As the Representative of California's 9th Congressional District, I 
would also like to take a moment to recognize the role that 
California's East Bay is playing at the forefront of the Green Jobs and 
Green Industry movement.
  We have a number of innovative initiatives in my district in 
particular, including the East Bay Green Corridor Initiative, the 
Oakland Green Jobs Corps, the Joint Bio Energy Institute, the Lawrence 
Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Energy Biosciences Institute at 
Berkeley.
  I recently visited the site of the Oakland Green Jobs Corps with 
Special Advisor to President Obama on Energy and Climate Change, Carol 
Browner, in order to show her a truly groundbreaking example of green-
collar workforce development already up and running in Oakland, CA.
  The Oakland Green Job Corps is a partnership of community 
organizations, trade unions, private companies, and the City of 
Oakland. It provides Oakland residents with the necessary training, 
support, and work experience to independently pursue careers in the new 
energy economy.
  The fact is, ``Green'' has already become the fifth largest industry 
in the nation--80 percent of venture capital investments in 2008 were 
in the clean energy and energy efficiency sector.
  Between 1998 and 2007, job growth in the clean-energy economy 
outperformed total job growth in 38 states and the District of 
Columbia, and we are just beginning to tap into our nation's clean 
energy potential.
  Passing comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation, 
especially one which includes a robust Renewable Energy Standard, is 
essential to delivering cleaner energy and good-paying jobs to 
communities across the nation.
  A strong Renewable Energy Standard will spur innovation and the 
expansion of economic opportunities surrounding the green movement.
  The current draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act sets 
America on a path to meet 20 percent of our electricity demand through 
renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020.
  This is an important start, but I am also confident we can do more.
  It is the time to think big, not small, and I urge my colleagues to 
consider strengthening this standard so that we might take full 
advantage of the enormous renewable energy potential across this 
country.
  This is only one of many important priorities we must address in 
order to ensure no communities are left behind in the transition to a 
low-carbon economy.
  There is no doubt in my mind that a greener future will lead to a 
more prosperous future for our communities, the Nation, and the world.
  I urge my colleagues to act swiftly to move America beyond its 
dependency on oil, address the climate crisis, and help protect 
America's natural resources for our children's future.

                          ____________________