May 2009 Archives

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Clean Energy

This afternoon in Washington, a key congressional committee is expected to take a major step in addressing climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy, and clean energy jobs. The Energy and Commerce Committee’s legislation is one of President Obama’s top three domestic priorities this year, in addition to reforming health care and making college more affordable.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act represents the single greatest effort in our country ever to address climate change and create a sustainable American energy policy.

The bill would

• make new investments in clean vehicle technology,


• improve energy efficiency of appliances and buildings,


• require that more of our energy come from solar, wind and other renewable sources,


• establish a nationwide cap on carbon pollution -- to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% by the year 2020.

These policies will drive innovation and are critical elements in our nation's transition to a robust clean energy economy.

Conserving water is a big part of smart energy use. My bill to authorize WaterSense, a program to promote water-saving consumer products, is being considered as part of the legislation.

Summary of the legislation (as introduced).

In addition to this important bill, the President announced this week a major breakthrough on fuel economy – an agreement between 13 states (led by California), car companies and the Administration to increase automotive fuel economy standards to 35.5 mpg by 2016, reducing oil, use consumer costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. This agreement and the energy bill offer great promise for a clean and productive economy.

energyandenvironment fuel efficiency Obama water

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Miller holds hearing on use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools

A new government report released today found hundreds of allegations that schoolchildren have been abused, and some even died, as a result of inappropriate uses of seclusion and restraint in classrooms. These abusive practices were used disproportionately on children with disabilities.

The Government Accountability Office conducted the first government investigation specifically into schools’ use of these practices at the request of Rep. Miller.

Miller held a hearing on the subject on May 19th. Miller said that the hearing makes clear that legislation is needed to keep students safe. More...

Posted by Peake, Amy at 08:09PM | Comments () | TrackBack (0)

Health Care Reform discussion at the White House

On May 13th, Rep. George Miller joined Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Henry Waxman (D-CA), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer at a meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss their efforts to pass health care reform legislation this year.

After the meeting Miller, Waxman and Rangel made the following statement:

“We thank President Obama for convening this productive meeting and Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer for their strong leadership. As the Speaker said, we are ready to get the job done. We look forward to working with the administration and all of our colleagues in the House to pass a strong health care reform bill by the end of July that meets President Obama's principles: reining in skyrocketing costs, guaranteeing patients’ choice in selecting their health care plans and doctors, and ensuring that everyone has access to quality and affordable coverage that meets their needs.”

Read more about the meeting in the NY Times.

healthcare

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