Dear Friend,
I got an A on my report card.
Environment America, a federation of environmental advocacy groups from across the country, released its 2009 scorecard grading members of Congress on our environmental voting records since May 2007. I earned a score of 100 percent for voting to protect the environment at every opportunity. Key legislation measured in the scoring includes my votes to fund clean energy and green transportation, to comprehensively address global warming and to protect over two million acres of our shared natural bounty.
I am delighted to share my high score and resulting “Environmental Champion” title with many other members of the Michigan Delegation, including Representatives Dale Kildee, Mark Schauer, Gary Peters, Sander Levin, Carolyn Kilpatrick and Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin. In fact, the overall number of Environmental Champions increased in both the House and the Senate compared to last year’s scorecard. On the other end of the scale the number of “Environmental Disasters” – that is, members of Congress who scored 0 percent – decreased by 50 percent from last year. These improved voting records show once again that we have a smart Congressional majority willing to tackle the big issues.
Throughout my career I’ve worked very hard to promote American workers and businesses while simultaneously protecting our air, water and open spaces. Believe me that finding policies mutually beneficial to both our economy and our environment has often been a trying task. But global warming, the state of our economy, the politics of energy dependence and the green revolution have collectively changed the game. It is now apparent how mutually dependent the economy and the environment have become. A vote in favor of clean energy and green transportation not only helps protect the environment and prolong our stay on this earth; it can help to rebuild our economy and make us more secure as a nation.
Change has never been easy, and it’s downright hard in a shaky economy. But the fact is we are in a time of great opportunity. If we make the tough decisions now we can create a long-lasting marriage between our natural heritage and our prosperity. I’m glad to be amongst so many others willing to do what it takes to get there, and I appreciate Environment America's recognition of our efforts.
Click here to see the Environment America Scorecard 2009.
In other news, $9 million in grant money will go towards two programs in the 15th District aimed at training and retraining local workers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. The funding comes from the Energy Training Partnership authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The two programs that the Department of Labor awarded the grants to are (1) the International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry and (2) SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. The programs were deemed worthy of the funds because they have forged diverse partnerships and developed specific resources to target local populations of displaced workers and set them on a pathway in the up and coming green jobs market.
As our displaced workers become competent in the fields where they’re needed, our economy will find new life and our much sought after green energy future will bear fruit. I applaud the Department of Labor and the Obama Administration for working with us through hard times to maintain and further develop Michigan’s leadership role in global manufacturing.
Speaking of manufacturing, it’s that time of year again for the North American International Auto Show. This year is an exciting one for the domestic auto industry and Southeast Michigan alike with a promising lineup of energy efficient cars, such as the Ford Fusion Hybrid - named 2010 car of the year - and the Chevy Volt.
I recently visited General Motors’ Brownstown facility where the Vault battery pack is being built – the first of its kind to be produced domestically. The fact that GM is able to produce right here in the 15th District this technologically advanced, environmentally friendly supplement to the standard engine signals it has the capacity to lead the industry into a new generation of automobile manufacturing. This is a very welcome sign for our future as a region, state and country.
What is more, I think I can now say with confidence that some key people in Washington agree. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi led a Congressional Delegation to visit the Auto Show yesterday along with members of the Obama Administration. Judging from her and others’ comments after their tour, our hometown manufacturers did a fine job of demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, the environment and American jobs. I have to say it felt great to see these Congressional leaders appreciate and better understand that the industry which has made us proud for transforming the way Americans move and for creating our nation’s middle class, which despite hard times and bumps along the way, will continue to make us proud for years to come.
