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In addition, the Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6) is poised to reduce energy and gas prices, create new jobs and strengthen national security. It also provides historic tax incentives for businesses and homes that become more energy efficient or switch to clean, renewable energy sources.
“The steps we took today to promote energy independence and the protection of our natural resources will improve the lives of generations of Americans,” said Congressman Mike Thompson, who voted in favor of the bill. “Our dependence on foreign oil has serious consequences for our economy and national security. And our dependence on greenhouse-gas-emitting energy sources is putting the health of the entire planet at risk. This Congress has made an historic commitment to redefining American energy consumption, and this legislation is a large step toward achieving that goal.”
One of the bill’s most groundbreaking provisions would increase fuel economy standards (also known as CAFE standards) to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for new cars and trucks, which will save Americans money at the pump.
In addition, it will reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million gallons per day in 2020 (one-half of what we currently import from the Persian Gulf) and reduce greenhouse gases equal to taking 28 million of today’s average cars and trucks off the road. This is the first increase in CAFE standards by Congress since 1975.
The legislation would also make a robust investment in American biofuel production. This includes a focus on diversifying the crops used in biofuels so that states from coast to coast will benefit from the provision.
It would require utility companies to generate 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, ocean tides and geothermal.
It would also strengthen and extend renewable energy tax credits, which Congressman Thompson championed as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. These include a long-term extension of tax credits for businesses and homes that use solar power, as well as other improvements to make the tax credit a better value for homeowners.
In addition, there is a four-year extension of the production tax credit for other forms of renewable energy, including many forms which are produced in the 1st Congressional District such as biomass and geothermal.
Other incentives include:
A tax incentive for the installation of energy management devices known as smart meters, which give consumers near real-time access to their energy usage information;
An extension of a tax credit for homes that make energy-efficient improvements or purchase energy-efficient devices;
A new tax credit for plug-in electric vehicles; and
Allowing employers to include the cost of employees commuting by bike in any transportation benefits they may provide.
“With the way energy costs are skyrocketing, we need to do everything we can to make energy-efficient homes, businesses and vehicles more available and affordable,” said Thompson. “Investments in renewable energy not only improve our environment – they will create more American jobs and help us to better control our country’s future.”
The measure also repeals about $21 billion in tax subsidies for Big Oil, which is similar to provisions included in H.R. 6 when it was passed by the House in January.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
KELSEYVILLE – One of Lake County's most important volunteer organizations has selected new leadership for the year ahead, with plans to continue expanding its critical safety services to the public. {sidebar id=43}
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 8-8 held its annual “change of watch” ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Zino's Restaurant in Kelseyville.
Gary Jolley, the flotilla's aids to navigation officer and the ceremony's master of ceremonies, explained that the term “change of watch” is used in the flotilla for a transfer of authority, responsibility or leadership. “Change of command,” he said, would be used if the flotilla had a rank structure.
The flotilla may not be well known to all of the people who enjoy Clear Lake and other lakes within the county.
However, the group provides a variety of services to the public, from boating safety classes to support on search and rescue missions; just this past year members spent nearly 300 hours on recovery, according to a county of volunteer hours provided by the flotilla.
The group also is working on a program to help prevent the infestation of the county's lakes by the quagga and zebra mussels.
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary's members – 27,000 strong nationwide – are called “America's volunteer lifesavers.” According to the organization's Web site, nws.cgaux.org, Congress formed the auxiliary in 1939, with its motto being Semper Paratus, “Always Ready.” Today the group – which is under the auspices of Homeland Security – reports that it provides more than two million volunteer hours annually.
That preparedness and dedication is apparent in Flotilla 8-8's membership, which includes 53 members – some with previous military experience, some without – who contributed 9,237.65 volunteer hours by Dec. 2 of this year, according to Anita Farnholtz, the flotilla's information services officer.
Their service isn't limited just to Lake County. During the Saturday ceremony, flotilla member Jeremiah Collins gave a presentation on a trip he made to Florida where he and other US Coast Guard Auxiliary members helped patrol the waters between the US and Cuba.
At Saturday's ceremony, Flotilla Commander Rich Thomas of Middletown handed over the group's leadership to Cobb resident Betty Strach, the commander for the coming year. Named vice commander to succeed Strach, who held that position this past year, was John McEwen of Lakeport.
Thomas said he has appreciated the opportunities the flotilla has given him, from meeting an astronaut to serving around District 11, which includes California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
Leaving his term as commander, Thomas said the flotilla is strong thanks to the giving of its members. “The flotilla does not serve us. We serve the flotilla,” he said.
Strach said the flotilla's members possess a great wealth of experience; her officers alone have more than 100 years of knowledge and experience among them, she said.
In the year ahead, Strach said she plans to continue working to strengthen the flotilla in order to offer greater service to the community.
Flotilla members give a phenomenal amount of service, said Strach. They'll likely have to offer even more service, in the form of classes, if the state legislature decides to pass a bill requiring boat operators to be licensed.
Education is extremely important, said Strach, because of the number of tragedies that happen on the lake that are based on irresponsibility, lack of knowledge – even arrogance.
Strach said she has made the words “How can I help?” her motto for her year ahead as flotilla commander.
“The sky is the limit for us,” she said.
Awards and certificates were given out to flotilla members. Collins received a special US Coast Guard Auxiliary Commendation Medal for service as rear commodore in Region 11 from January 2005 until December 2006. In that time, Collins oversaw an astounding 470,000 volunteer hours districtwide. He thanked fellow auxiliary members for making the award possible.
Strach was named Auxiliarist of the Year, with Jolley named 2007's Most Inspirational member.
Collins and the flotilla made sure to give Thomas a good roasting to show their appreciation for his service to the flotilla over the years.
Incoming staff officers for 2008 are Gary Jolley, aids to navigation and materials; John McEwen, communications; Deana McAllister, communication services; DA Butts, finance; Anita Farnholtz, information services; Catalina Gumatoatoa, marine safety; Betty Strach, member training, operations and public education; Allan Bride, public affairs; Chris Ruttan, publications; Rich Thomas, personnel services; Charles Rester, program visitation; Karen Wilson, secretary of records; and Dane Hayward, vessel examinations.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
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