Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to boost job creation and provide real solutions to our energy and water quality needs with investments in new technologies, scientific research and conservation efforts. The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, HR 3183, builds on the investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to move toward American energy independence and rebuild our infrastructure – major tenets of the long term economic plan that President Obama laid out and this Congress approved.

"By spurring innovation to generate American-made energy from solar to biofuels, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we will put our economy on sound footing," said Payne. "Our economic recovery depends on making smart, targeted investments like those in this energy and water infrastructure bill. With this legislation, the House continues to pass its appropriations bills on time and under budget."

The Energy and Water Appropriations Act invests in new technologies that will create the next generation of vehicles with improved fuel efficiency, better and cleaner engines and better batteries. It also helps modernize our electric grid by investing in "smart grid" technology that will ensure efficient and reliable delivery of electricity to American homes and businesses.

The bill increases funds for weatherization grants to help struggling families improve their homes' energy efficiency and save hundreds of dollars annually in electricity and heating costs. It also invests in the water infrastructure needs of our communities to improve water quality and spur economic development after years of neglect.

"At the same time as we make these investments, we are looking closely at every line of our budget to eliminate and cut programs that aren't working in order to reduce the deficit and put us on a path toward fiscal responsibility," said Payne.

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