Environment

"The potential solar energy zones identified by the Administration today provide America with an opportunity to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time," Congressman Garamendi said. "We can create quality American jobs manufacturing solar panels if we Make It In America – ending our addiction to foreign oil, bolstering national security, and making American manufacturers more competitive in the global Clean Energy Race that will determine the winners and losers of the 21st century."

"While I feel for the people of Wisconsin and Ohio who sincerely want investments in infrastructure and job creation, I am glad that California’s infant high speed rail program just got another boost," said Congressman Garamendi, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "When completed, the Golden State will have a state of the art high speed rail system from Sacramento and San Francisco, through the Central Valley, all the way down to Los Angeles and San Diego. It’ll revolutionize how Californians commute and travel and create hundreds of thousands of jobs along the way."

"We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Offshore oil drilling is best left in the dustbins of history. It’s dirty; it’s dangerous; it’s deadly," Congressman Garamendi said. "President Obama is wise to call for a seven year moratorium on new drilling leases on the East Coast. Oil poisons our air and water, wreaks havoc on our climate, and threatens jobs in many of our nation’s most important industries."

"Just yesterday, China debuted its latest high speed rail expansion, while America is still in our early construction phase at best – and you better believe most of China’s equipment and trains are made in China," Garamendi added. "It’s time we responded in kind and made sure that our tax dollars are going to developing the latest transportation and clean technology right here in America. Our future success as an economic dynamo with a large and vibrant middle class depends on it."

"This worthy $10 million investment in our local communities by the Department of Transportation will improve commute times for pedestrians and bicyclists, helping to reduce congestion on our busy streets," Congressman Garamendi said. "Once again, President Obama and the Democratic Majority in Congress are stepping in where help is needed most, creating more than 500 jobs and improving local communities, including Livermore and Antioch, during tough economic times."

"The Army Corps of Engineers must realize that all levee systems are not built the same," said Congressman Garamendi, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Interior from 1995-1998. "It’s very clear from studies here in California that you can build levees that preserve public safety and take into consideration the impact on local economies and wildlife habitats. We especially need to be sensitive about habitats relied upon by rare and endangered species."

“For 33 years my family has lived in the Delta. We love its unique character and history. Its waterways, communities, farms, ecosystem together form a valuable and fragile part of California,” said Congressman Garamendi. “This legislation will give local communities and individuals the tool to protect the Delta.”

"By developing strategies to reduce Travis’s carbon footprint through the EMIS pilot program, the Air Force will also help California achieve its AB 32 climate change goals," Garamendi added. "We’ve had a rough patch in the economy, but one bright spot in California has been the rapid growth of our green technology sector. Our leadership in reducing greenhouse gases – at Travis and throughout the state – is a win for our economy and a win for our precious natural resources."