Broad coalition thanks Reps. Gonzalez

In response to the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act through the House Energy and Commerce Committee, League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski, Vote Vets Chairman Jon Soltz, AFL-CIO Building & Construction Trades Department President Mark Ayers, and Clean Economy Network President Jeff Anderson issued the following joint statement:

“Today, Representatives Charlie Gonzalez and Gene Green cast one of the most important votes of their careers. In supporting the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, they put America on the path to a clean energy economy that will create millions of jobs, reduce our dangerous addiction to foreign oil, and protect our planet from global warming. Their constituents should be proud of these Representatives.

“The millions of workers, business leaders, environmentalists, and veterans that we represent are grateful to Representatives Gonzalez and Green and offer our congratulations for their courageous action. We will continue to stand with forward thinking Members of Congress to strengthen and support this bill until President Obama signs it into law.”

Note: Texas Reps. Joe Barton, Ralph Hall, and Michael Burgess voted against final passage of the bill.

Rep. Gonzalez votes for clean energy bill

Rep. Gonzalez has just voted for the American Clean Energy & Security Act in the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

Call Rep. Gonzalez at (202) 225-3236 and thank him for supporting a new clean energy future.

Tracking Rep. Gonzalez's committee votes

Before the House Energy & Commerce Committee's final vote on the American Clean Energy & Security Act later this week, Rep. Gonzalez and his colleagues will cast many key committee votes.

To keep track of how Rep. Gonzalez votes on key amendments to the bill, visit LCV's special online committee edition of its nationally respected Environmental Scorecard at www.lcv.org/aces. The site includes detailed descriptions of amendments and each committee members' vote on those amendments.

Check back throughout the day and the week for the latest updates.

President announces national fuel efficiency policy

As Rep. Gonzalez and his colleagues on the House Energy & Commerce Committee debate the American Clean Energy & Security Act, President Obama today set in motion a new national policy aimed at increasing fuel economy. The new standards, covering model years 2012-2016, and ultimately requiring an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016, are projected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program.

The policy will increase the strength and competitiveness of America’s automakers, save consumers untold billions in future gas costs and significantly reduce the amount of global warming pollution our country will emit. Click here for more information.

Now it's time for Congress to act and further move us towards a cleaner, safer energy future.

Local residents rally for clean energy

The San Antonio Current blogged yesterday about a group of local residents who gathered in support of clean energy jobs and urged Rep. Gonzalez to support the American Clean Energy & Security Act.

The participants held signs reading "Clean Energy Jobs Now!" and presented a Gonzalez aide with a green construction hat to symbolize the millions of green jobs that would be created by this comprehensive clean energy legislation.

Click here to e-mail Rep. Gonzalez. Tell him that residents of the 20th congressional district want Congress to pass a comprehensive clean energy bill that will create jobs and make the U.S. a leader in clean energy.

Clean energy jobs for America

Doing nothing is not an option

This week, the Energy & Commerce Committee begins work on the American Clean Energy & Security Act (H.R. 2454). This comprehensive clean energy plan will create the industries of tomorrow and millions of new American jobs.

At a time when America has lost millions of jobs, it’s clear that we need to start moving in a new direction. Saying “no” or supporting the status quo is not an option.

But without a clear signal from the federal government about the direction of our energy future, investors and entrepreneurs won’t make any new investments. This means that new construction, new opportunities and new jobs won’t happen until Congress acts. In other words, we need Congress to send a clear signal that clean, low-carbon energy sources will power this country in the 21st century.

The American Clean Energy & Security Act is a strong start. It’s exactly the kind forward looking policy that will make the U.S. a leader in the clean energy technologies of the future.

Call Rep. Gonzalez at (202) 225-3236. Tell him to support the American Clean Energy & Security Act.

President discusses energy bill in weekly address

The clean American dream

Call Rep. Gonzalez at (202) 225-3236. Tell him to support the American Clean Energy & Security Act.

What are the tools that build a stronger future?

Click here for more from America's Building Trades Unions.

Democracia Ahora launches bilingual radio ads on clean energy

Recently, Democracia Ahora, an advocacy organization committed to advancing federal and state legislation vital to Hispanic communities, launched a bilingual radio campaign in Rep. Gonzalez's district. The ads urge the congressman to support a clean energy plan that will make America a global leader in energy, while also creating jobs that will grow local economies and create a green pathway out of poverty.

"These bilingual radio ads reinforce Democracia Ahora’s commitment to educate, empower and engage Latinos on issues that are vital to our community by urging them to engage with their local U.S. Representatives on the vital issue of Clean Energy," said Jorge Mursuli, Executive Director of Democracia Ahora. "The American Clean Energy and Security Act will build a green economy and create millions of new jobs for U.S. Hispanics and all Americans."

Click here to listen to both English and Spanish-language ads.

370,000 Texas clean energy jobs

Vets urge Rep. Gonzalez to support clean energy