Energy bill introduced today

Today Rep. Henry Waxman, chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Ed Markey introduced draft clean energy and global warming legislation. This is an important first step to passing a comprehensive energy bill that will spur a new green energy economy, create jobs and curb global warming pollution.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 recognizes that limiting global warming pollution will bring about a clean energy economy that creates jobs, improves our national security and protects our planet – and as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Matheson will play a key role in helping to shape this critical legislation.

Unfortunately, Rep. Matheson released a statement indicating that he finds the bill “problematic,” though he goes on to say that he looks “forward to the upcoming committee hearings and to the process of diving into the details, asking questions and involving the broad spectrum of stakeholders that need to be heard.”

Call Rep. Matheson toll free at 1-877-677-9743 and urge him to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

More energy efficiency funding

The Spectrum & Daily News reported today that Utah is receiving $27.7 million in block grants, via the economy recovery package, for energy efficiency improvement projects. According to a statement from the White House, the funds are to be used for projects that reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency through city, county and state government plans.

Rep. Matheson, who voted for the recovery package, praised the move:

“Improving energy efficiency saves money and helps create jobs, at a time when unemployment in Utah has topped 5%. Putting people to work on projects that help us add options to how we power our communities also helps improve our quality of life.”

Utah receives energy efficiency funding

Rep. Matheson announced today that the Department of Energy is releasing more than $73 million in million in home weatherization and energy efficiency grants to Utah as part of the recently passed economic recovery package.

The congressman noted that the funding “helps the state pursue programs that encourage alternative energy development.”