The “American Clean Energy
and Security Act”

Please take a look at the information on the “American Clean Energy and Security Act”

WHY TAKE ACTION:

• For too long we have simply talked about energy independence without actually doing something proactive to achieve it.  From the energy crisis of the 1970s that saw the rationing of gas and a greater reliance on foreign oil, to failing to employ higher fuel efficient standards in the 1990s-standards I supported-which could have cut our consumption and costs in half now…we have a history of inaction in this country on a national energy policy.
• Past generations have kicked this issue down the road, landing it upon the present generation all the while making us further energy DEPENDENT on foreign nations.  Additionally, we continue to subsidize the oil industry even when gas hit $5.00 per gallon last summer.  When does the cycle end?!
• The “American Clean Energy and Security Act” is the opportunity to break the cycle of inaction and finally move our nation towards real energy independence.
• In fact, the legislation-combined with new fuel efficiency and biofuel standards enacted in 2007 that I strongly supported-will cut the use of foreign oil by more than 5 million barrels a day in 2030.  This as much oil as we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela. (Source:  EPA analysis of bill as reported from committee).
• While we are defending our homeland and our troops are engaged on the War on Terrorism abroad, we are sending billions of dollars each day to purchase foreign oil from countries that are not our allies.  We could be spending that money on U.S. companies here at home, on jobs that are in the domestic production and renewable energy fields, and reaping those benefits.

WILL THIS WORK

• HR2454 builds on what has worked successfully in the past-this is precisely how the government successfully dealt with acid rain, back in the late 1980’s.  As a result of the government’s actions-companies that invested money to clean up their acid rain pollution more than recouped their financial outlay by selling unused allowances to dirtier, slower to change competitors, and entrepreneurs quickly developed cleanup technologies-all ¼ of the cost originally anticipated. (New York Times-(6/22/2008) “A Green Coal Baron?” by Clive Thompson).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS/JOB GROWTH

• We must focus on strengthening the economy by driving advancements in industry and new business growth in South Jersey-this legislation rightly focuses on growing our manufacturing base for the materials needed for alternative energy production, such as solar cells, wind turbines and environmentally-friendly buildings.  The United States should be leading the innovation, research and development race as we have in so many other areas.  If we can get 60 miles per gallon with next year’s Hummers, then we can create the technologies to make us energy independent.
• New Jersey is uniquely prepared for this legislation-many of the federal standards that would be created by this legislation are mirroring our state standards long on the books.  For the past decade, New Jersey has been forward-looking in its energy policy and sought to establish diverse, renewable alternative sources of energy to meet the state’s needs.  In fact, the state already has two solar manufacturing companies (Petra Solar and EPV Solar), countless installation businesses and, in terms of wind, Fisherman’s Energy in Cape May, Bluewater and Deepwater wind are in Hoboken.  These past actions will help to insulate New Jersey residents and businesses from those coal-burning states will face.
• Furthermore, there are tremendous opportunities for new “green businesses” and new jobs in the region from the research, development, manufacturing, distribution and installation of solar panels, wind turbines, energy efficient products, environmentally-friendly home building materials etc.  There has been some skepticism from residents about such industries.  In addition to pointing to solar and wind projects in each of the counties…and the largest single-proof project at the Atlantic City Convention Center… “green businesses” are being established across the state.  More than 10 companies are already located here in South Jersey. 
• Additionally, major corporations in New Jersey that supported the legislation include:  PSE&G, DuPont, and Johnson & Johnson.  This is in addition to Starbucks, GE, Hewlett-Packard, Duke Energy, Constellation Energy, Exelon, the John Deere Company, eBay, Sun Microsystems, Caterpillar, Inc, Siemens Corporation, PepsiCo and Alcoa.  They supported this bill because they see what the future holds and the benefit of reducing their energy costs as a practical, successful business model.

IMPACT ON CONSUMERS

• It is important to note that New Jersey is far ahead in terms of cap and trade regulations.  As mentioned above, New Jersey along with 9 other states (New England, NY, MD) partnered together in 2005 as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (REGGI).  Under this cooperative agreement, the states have been increasing alternative energy development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Unfortunately, there have no environmental benefits at this point due to pollution coming from Pennsylvania and states in the Mid-West that carry over into New Jersey.  However, because of New Jersey’s proactive efforts, the state will not feel the impact that states in the Mid-west and South…and even neighboring Pennsylvania…will feel as they are brought in line to the new federal standard.
• While there are countless estimates from various sources-conservative and liberal alike-I relied on the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a non-partisan extension of Congress charged with scoring the economic impact of all legislation.  According to CBO, on average, each household in the U.S. may see a $175 increase in their annual energy costs by 2020.  For reference, this is the same CBO that scored President Obama’s healthcare reform legislation to cost $1.6 trillion over 10 years-for critics who accept CBO’s score of the healthcare reform bill, they cannot selectively choose to ignore the score for the cap and trade bill.
• Over the next 10 years, this bill will likely not result in much of any increase in electrical rates for New Jersey consumers.  New Jersey already has a stricter renewable energy standard than what is proposed by this legislation, according to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), New Jersey’s households may see less than a $50 increase in their annual energy costs by 2020.

IMPERFECTIONS

• The bill is far from perfect.  I am disappointed the bill lacks a domestic production component in terms of drilling on the federally-leased 70 million acres of lands-onshore and offshore-across the country.  I continue to support domestic oil and natural gas drilling, although I am opposed to the exploration off New Jersey’s coast due to the potential impact to the state’s $38 billion tourism industry and estimated 500,000 jobs.  I am strongly supportive of the wind-farm proposal off the shores of Atlantic and Cape May counties.

CONCLUSION

The “American Clean Energy and Security Act” breaks with the cycle of our past, gives us the opportunities to promote our energy independence and create new job opportunities here at home, and finally move our nation towards real energy independence. 

View the link for a map created by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regarding the costs associated to each state. It is provided by Republican Leader John Boehner’s office. Leader Boehner recognized that the 3 Republicans in New Jersey voting for the bill were representing their state’s interests.

http://www.house.gov/lobiondo/CBO%20Chart%20on%20Cap%20and%20Trade.pdf



Welcome to my 2010 campaign website. It is here that you may check out the latest news regarding my campaign, sign up to receive Action Alerts, download a form to register to vote, connect to other political websites, volunteer or make a contribution to my campaign. I hope you find the information useful.


Let me start off by saying that it is the residents of the 2nd Congressional district who make South Jersey home for all of us. As small business owners, working men and women, educators, health care professionals, coaches, volunteers, first responders, and parents, you are the fabric that makes South Jersey such a great place to live and work.


As we know, the 2nd district plays an important role in the economy of New Jersey. From our $38 billion beach and tourism industry to the tens of thousands of jobs created by Atlantic City’s casino industry, the state’s economic health is directly related to growth and strength of South Jersey. It is also here that historically-diverse industries such as our agricultural, fishing and manufacturing sectors continue to provide measurable economic impact at the local, regional and state levels.


South Jersey also plays a key role in securing our homeland. Our region is home to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Training Center in Cape May, the largest helicopter-only Air Station in Atlantic City, and several strategically located boat stations. It is also in South Jersey that the FAA Technical Center, the Federal Air Marshal Phase II Training Center and the Transportation Security Administration’s explosives research labs are located. And it is here that the men and women of the National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing are charged with patrolling and protecting the skies from Washington, D.C. to New York City and beyond.

While South Jersey plays its part in defending our country, it is due to the men and women of our armed services, and their selfless service abroad, that we are able to enjoy the peace here at home. I have had the privilege of meeting many of our servicemen and women and their families, both here and abroad, and I am always impressed by their dedication and honor to serve. I will continue to support their efforts on behalf of our country and ensure that they have all that they have rightly earned upon returning home.

With your continued support, I will be able to continue to represent your interests in Washington and fight for South Jersey’s fair share. I hope I can continue to count on your support so that we may continue to grow our economy, ensure our homeland security missions are not neglected, and provide a safe, prosperous environment for South Jersey families to live.

On behalf of my wife Tina and our 2 rescued Weimaraners, Lola and Luca, we thank you for your continued support and will see you around the district.