Ben Luján

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. That is absolutely true. And we saw with some of the charts that Mr. Tonko was sharing with us, as we see what is happening with the U.S. imports of crude oil, we see what is happening, you go back to the time period we are talking about here, Mr. Connolly, you go back here to 1977 and you see some of the changes that resulted and going forward with what has happened with imports and what can be done here. What didn't we learn when we saw these increases and spikes starting in the 1970s there? We have an opportunity to learn and to make a difference here. And I know that Mr. Tonko had the other chart there, and I will yield to Mr. Tonko to be able to explain what has happened with the dollars again.

Mr. LUJAN. If we, as a Nation, don't take action now and utilize these dollars to invest in American jobs, in solving our dependence on foreign oil, talking about our Nation's security, we couldn't be more right. And as we talk about our Nation's security, what has happened to the economy, we need to create the jobs to be able to provide opportunities for the American people, make sure that we are changing the way we are going to generate power, move power, consume power, be smarter about the way that we do things. It is all wrapped up in one, Mr. Connolly, and I couldn't agree more.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Tonko, we talked a little bit about my background. Before I came to Congress, before I was given the great honor of serving in this Congress to so many wonderful people, I did serve on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. And we were one of many States who adopted a renewable portfolio standard, standards which will require utilities to generate more power from the sun, from the wind, being smarter about the way we generate power. And when we talk about the American Energy and Security Act, about making sure that we are looking after our Nation's security, when you look at the chart which shows so much of our Nation's money, billions of dollars, hundreds of billions of dollars going to other nations that aren't friends of the United States, we have to wonder why aren't we moving forward with the commitment and will to bring about the change that is required? This provision includes enacting a provision where we will encourage more renewable generation across the United States. It is going to encourage more energy efficiency standards and building standards that will make a difference. This last week, on Monday, before I came back to Washington, I had the great fortune of visiting a new high school being built in one of the cities in my district, in Rio Rancho. It is a large high school, but it is a high school that was built with energy efficiency in mind, with smart building standards. And the increase in cost is actually going to be regained, and it is going to be seen within 5 years, a 5- year paydown of the investment. This means better lighting for our students, a stronger learning environment. It is what is right. And that is what this act will do. We heard about the importance of education. In New Mexico, we have a few colleges, the National Wind Research Center in Tucumcari, at the Mesa Lands Community College, working on wind research and turbine research in agricultural parts of my district where ranchers and farmers are excited about seeing these wind turbines pop up around New Mexico. This is the kind of investment that we are talking about, job opportunities and revenue streams that will make a world of difference: the investment that is being made in our laboratories where the gains can be made to solve the storage problem so we can see more robust generation when it comes to renewables, job creation, investments in science, investment in our schools and how we can go tie that education gap together from K through 12 to college, to our laboratories, bringing everyone together. This last week we heard from the President, and he said, ``I have spoken repeatedly of the need to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity.'' That is what we are talking about here, a foundation for new prosperity. We, as a Nation, will lead again. We will work with the rest of the world. We will make sure that we are providing job opportunities for Americans from sea to shining sea, as the President likes to remind us. For the first time, what is interesting to my friends here this evening, my colleagues, for the first time we have utility companies and corporate leaders who are joining, not opposing, environmental advocates and labor leaders to create a new system of clean energy jobs. We were reminded of this from our President last week. It is amazing what can happen when people come together. We have an opportunity now, again, to act responsibly for the American people to come together, come together as a Congress and make a difference, come together and create more jobs, invest in science, technology and change the way that we do things, but change them for the better.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Tonko, I would be remiss if I didn't include the faith community. They came together and they wrote a letter to the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the National Council of Churches USA, the United Church of Christ, Justice and Peace Ministries, and the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society. They said, ``The American Clean Energy and Security Act lays a necessary foundation to begin addressing the global climate crisis. We urge you to oppose any attempts to further weaken the bill as it goes through committee and continue moving this legislation forward while working to strengthen key provisions and ensure a just and sustainable future for all of God's Creation.'' Understanding how we can work together again, Mr. Tonko, it is truly amazing, and it is great to see that we can come together to get great things done.

Mr. LUJAN. That is absolutely correct.

Mr. LUJAN. That is absolutely true, Mr. Connolly.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, I would encourage and hope that my colleague would support an opportunity to be able to teach our kids about the importance of food, of growing it, and even the business aspect of this, Mr. Chairman. It is not just about growing food, fruits and vegetables. This is about teaching them how to be responsible and how to make sure we can get these into the schools to keep our kids healthy and nourished, as well as business opportunities, Mr. Chairman. This is a learning opportunity that we could take advantage of across the country. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. The legislation will renew the foundation of our Nation's public school system by rebuilding our critical educational infrastructure. By providing assistance to our school districts for the construction of modern school facilities, we're creating a healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient learning environment for the next generation of Americans. I strongly commend Chairman Miller for his work in bringing this important measure to the floor. This amendment, which I have developed in cooperation with Congresswoman Schwartz, would allow these funds to be used for the construction of greenhouses and gardens as well as planting trees and greenery. Our schools will benefit from an improved environment, additional energy efficiency, and valuable educational experiences for children. By expanding the classroom for our children and putting them into a greenhouse and garden, we will impart upon them the value of water, biodiversity, and respect for the environment. We will be creating better futures for our children and all of us. Mr. Chairman, this commonsense amendment would allow for energy efficiency and environmental improvements on our Nation's school and campuses. This amendment will add no additional cost to the bill, but will greatly benefit the education of our Nation's students. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Driehaus, thank you very much for yielding. As we talk about the importance of looking after those that are most in need and those that have been getting impacted and thrown out of their homes, losing their homes on a regular basis, and you look to see the inactions that have caused this problem, and the actions that this Congress, the 111th Congress, is coming forward to work on to make sure that we're looking after those that need help the most, it's an honor to be here with so many of my new colleagues as we are talking about taking action and not just waiting and waiting and waiting, but being divisive and being bold in our approaches to make sure we're looking after the citizens that we represent. Mr. Driehaus, one important thing that I wanted to talk about today was there are so many people across the country who aren't able to afford that home, who are saving up and doing what they can so they can experience the American Dream of getting into that home. And they're renters. They are renting homes, and they are supporting a whole other segment of the housing across the country. And it's a segment of the population that was ignored for many years. Looking back at the Bush administration, when they took office in 2001, touting a homeownership agenda with the goal of 5.5 million new homebuyers, but they neglected to address affordable renting housing needs. The legislation that we'll be looking at, one important aspect of it, is we're going to be protecting tenants who rent homes that go into foreclosure, recognizing that there is a whole other segment of the population that is very much in need, that are struggling, that made some good decisions, that were maybe lured by some of those predatory lenders but were able to hold off. And now we are going to be going forward, and these are some of the other people that the Democrats aren't turning their backs on, that we're looking to see how we can help.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Blumenauer, I'll tell you it's an honor to be here this evening and to be here with so many of our colleagues when we're talking about a new direction and about moving the country forward and about developing the jobs and policies that will truly transform the way we look at energy, at the way we deliver energy, and at the way we appreciate the resourcefulness of the American people. In a former life, not many years ago--actually, not many days ago--I had the opportunity and the privilege of serving on the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission. It's the equivalent of public utility commissions around the country. In New Mexico a few years ago, we increased the renewable portfolio standard, the amount of energy that would be produced from utilities in the State of New Mexico, the amount of energy that would come from the sun and from the wind. We were looking to see how we could take advantage of those resources, resources that we know to be abundant all across the country, but it wasn't just a matter of talking about increasing the amount of energy from one particular source. It was about looking at the way that we could adopt technology and innovation, looking to see how we could ultimately lower the cost of utility bills for people around New Mexico. A lot of people have asked me, ``Well, Ben, when you talk about that and you say, `well, we're going to increase the amount of energy that's going to come from the sun and from the wind,' how, indeed, are you going to lower utility bills ultimately for the customers of New Mexico when they say that this technology is so expensive and that we're not sure how we're going to be able to move this renewable energy generation forward?'' Well, what's interesting is, when you talk about natural gas and when you look to see the amount of a utility bill that that makes up and when you talk about the fuel source, it's about 60-65 percent of the utility bill when you're heating your home with natural gas. In New Mexico, it's something we depend on. When you talk about electricity generation and you look at that fuel source, it can range anywhere from 25-35 percent of your utility bill. Well, what a novel thought. If we're able to utilize free fuel sources, a fuel source that comes from the sun and the wind--renewable resources--and you can eliminate that costly utility bill, it will ultimately drive those costs down. We'll be smarter about the technology that we're moving forward. We'll be smarter about the partners that we're engaging with. Our Los Alamos National Laboratory and national laboratories around the country are research institutions that are moving forward and are coming up with new technologies that are ultimately bringing down the cost of renewable energy, making it more resourceful, making it more of a reality, but making it happen. I've heard from a few of my colleagues who are concerned about rural parts of the country and how it would impact them if we move forward with the strong, renewable energy generation plan in the United States. Well, I come from a rural State. I come from a State where the rural electric cooperatives are participating in our renewable portfolio standard, the equivalent of our renewable electricity standard that we're talking about. Just the other day, there was an announcement of a 30-megawatt new facility that is going to be built in a rural part of New Mexico, in the northeastern part of our State, creating up to 120-140 construction jobs. Not including that, we're also going to be creating a real working laboratory, a working environment for our students to go in and to take advantage of learning how to install these phenomenal resources, these large panels and how we're going to move that power. We're teaching these students how they can take advantage of jobs into the future. But then teaching these students how they can take advantage of jobs into the future. We made it happen in New Mexico. We worked with our colleagues in Western States. We worked with colleagues across the East and to the West, working to make sure that we were implementing best practices. It's amazing what happens when you get new ideas and good ideas together. And you lean on the ingenuity and the perseverance of the American people. You know, when it comes to energy, the United States has always been a leader, and we need to be a leader when it comes to being smarter about the way we're generating power and the way that we're moving power. I heard from my good friend, Mr. Himes, talk about the importance of building standards and how the community can come together to make a difference in our homes. This last week, I was home and there is a group of students with the youth corps that has come together, and they are actually going to be building a new home for the Habitat for Humanity program for a woman in the community. It's going to be a green home. It's students getting together working with builders to learn how to build our buildings with these new, innovative ways and being smarter about the ways we're doing things. Ultimately, lower utility bills for this family, being able to send their kids and their family to school. It's so exciting, and you get so passionate when you talk about what can be done, and through the leadership with Speaker Pelosi, with the President, with the budget resolution, the commitment of the American Recovery Act towards a new energy future and a new energy certainty for the United States. It's amazing to be part of this, Mr. Blumenauer.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Blumenauer, and to my colleagues here, we are talking about jobs. And I am reminded of a group of ranchers and farmers on the eastern side of my district in a mainly rural part that came together and they invested and they worked together to invest in the building of wind power, wind generation, wind turbines. And as a community, they came together with the Mesalands Community College in a small town by the name of Tucumcari, New Mexico, to build the National Wind Turbine Research Center out in the rural part of our State, training young people, creating jobs, investing in their community. And you have to think back to the lack of investment that we saw over the last 8 years. And that is what we are talking about, investing in America, investing in Americans, investing in education, and investing in a new way of generating energy. It is great to be part of a Congress that is moving forward with this new direction and a Congress that is working boldly, making sure that we are listening to the American people, working with the President, making sure that we are truly being responsible toward those that have entrusted us to do the good work that we are doing here today. Mr. Blumenauer, I can't tell you thanks enough for putting this hour together so we can talk to our friends, our family, the American people about the truth of the matter in this important debate, that we are going to need them to move forward, to work closely with us as we work with them to make this happen and to transform the way that we generate power, look at power, and save power in our great Nation. Thank you very much.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 187 I was held up in a meeting and unable to vote due to delayed elevators. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, I would yield 1\1/4\ minutes to the gentlelady from Colorado, Congresswoman Markey.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Rahall for his leadership on this issue. All across New Mexico and the United States, wildfires are a growing hazard, posing a threat to life and property when woodland ecosystems meet developed areas. In recent decades, invasive species have increased the wildfire threat to woodland ecosystems throughout the Southwest and other regions of the country. With my colleagues, Congresswoman Markey of Colorado and Congressman Connolly of Virginia, I have proposed this amendment to limit fire risk resulting from the negative impacts of invasive species. In my district, invasive species have become a problem. Increasing the threat of fire in woodland areas, several years of drought combined with high tree densities allowed pine bark beetle populations to reach outbreak levels between 2002 and 2004, killing millions of pinyon and ponderosa pine trees in New Mexico and Arizona. Aerial survey data found that 3.4 million acres in the region were affected during that period. These dead trees have amplified the threat of fire in woodland areas by increasing the amount of dead and downed organic material, material that is just waiting for a spark. This amendment will help decrease the threat of wildfires by identifying ways to reduce fire hazards through the study of invasive species and the increased fire vulnerability they cause. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, this is an important issue, and this issue needs to be dealt with in a manner that is timely and adequate. I urge passage of the amendment.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chair, thank you Mr. Rahall for your leadership on this issue. All across New Mexico and the United States, wildfires are a growing hazard, posing a threat to life and property when woodland ecosystems meet developed areas. In recent decades, invasive species have increased the wildfire threat to woodland ecosystems throughout the southwest and other regions of the country. With my colleagues Congresswoman Markey of Colorado and Congressman Connolly of Virginia, I have proposed this amendment to limit fire risk resulting from the negative impact of invasive species. In my district, invasive species have become a problem--increasing the threat of fire in woodland areas. Several years of drought combined with high tree densities allowed pine bark beetle populations to reach outbreak levels between 2002 and 2004, killing millions of pinon and ponderosa pine trees in New Mexico and Arizona. Aerial survey data found that 3.4 million acres in the region were affected during this period. These dead trees have amplified the threat of fire in woodland areas by increasing the amount of ``dead and down'' organic material-- material that is just waiting for a spark. This amendment will help decrease the threat of wildfires by identifying ways to reduce fire hazards through the study of invasive species and the increased fire vulnerability they cause. Mr. Chair, this is an important issue and an issue that is timely and adequate. With that Mr. Chair I urge the passage of my amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire of the time remaining.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the GIVE Act and the amendment offered by Congressman Teague of New Mexico and Congressman Klein of Florida. This is a great example of furthering our commitment to America's veterans, and I commend Congressman Klein and my fellow New Mexican, Congressman Teague, for leading the effort to ensure our veterans have access to resources and programs that will benefit them. During times of crisis and economic hardship, Americans have always joined together to overcome obstacles. The GIVE Act will provide Americans with the tools to get our country back on track by working in their communities. Americans of all ages have always responded to the call of service in times of crisis, and this legislation helps Americans to respond to this call by creating new opportunities to serve. This amendment ensures that those who are no strangers to service to our nation--our veterans--are included in this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment to put veterans back to work and train them for civilian careers. This addition would provide support to veterans in their pursuit of education and professional careers, and assist disabled and unemployed veterans with transportation needs. This is an important step in moving forward with constructive legislation that gives due respect to those who have given so much. I thank Congressman Teague and Congressman Klein for their efforts on behalf of our nation's veterans and urge an aye vote.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chair, the Water Quality Investment Act is a renewed commitment to address our nation's substantial needs for water and wastewater infrastructure. The ability of cities, rural water systems and tribal communities to ensure water quality for our nation's families is critical to the health of our country and will help create jobs. Today, our business in this House is to transform the way we think about water. All living systems need water. People need it. The climate needs it. Plants and wildlife need it. We are all part of the same living system, and we all need water. I know the importance of water to rural economies across America. Without a reliable water supply, we cannot improve human health, preserve natural ecosystems, or grow economies. It is a critical prerequisite for life, and we must ensure proper drinking water and wastewater systems will be available to every community in America. The absence of adequate water infrastructure in a community creates enormous health disparities, but also entrenches the severe poverty that is already widespread in these communities. Tribes across the nation have many difficulties ensuring water quality for their communities. Often water and wastewater systems are hard to construct or maintain due to a lack of availability of funding for tribal governments. Language I proposed, which was included in Chairman Oberstar's manager's amendment, will authorize new grants for technical assistance on water and wastewater infrastructure to the tribal communities and people who so desperately need it. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I know we came very close to passing the Public Lands Omnibus bill this morning, and I rise to urge this Congress to move forward with this bill and its important goals. America's vast landscapes are a big part of what make our country beautiful and unique. Congress has an historic opportunity to protect these beautiful landscapes and the natural resources associated with them by passing the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. Since the day that President Theodore Roosevelt founded Yellowstone National Park, the Federal Government's responsibility to preserve and protect natural lands has not been a Democratic or Republican priority, it has been an American priority. The Omnibus Public Lands Management Act will benefit all of us. It allows for the preservation of historic sites, forest lands and wildlife habitats across the Nation, the assessment of land and natural resources, and preserves access for hunters and sportsmen. This important bill represents years of work by Members of the House and Senate from many States and from both parties, including two Senators from my home State, Senator Jeff Bingaman and my predecessor, Senator Tom Udall, in cooperation with local communities. It is important that we join together to protect and enhance the natural, cultural and historical resources which are integral to the identity of America.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, innovation has always been a hallmark of American success. Innovation will transform the way we generate and store power from renewable resources, use electricity more efficiently, and create a workforce for the 21st century. President Obama's budget promotes the development of innovative clean energy technology, modernizes the electric grid, and provides the capital to double renewable energy generating capacity. With these investments we will change the way our country generates, uses and delivers energy. We will produce jobs throughout the United States and begin to end our dependence on foreign oil. America's prosperity depends on bold action and investments in research and development, on our ability to adapt through innovation and on creating green jobs that will build a foundation for a clean energy economy.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and affirm my support for H. Res. 132, to honor the great Apache leader Geronimo and recognize the 100th anniversary of his death as a time of reflection and healing for all Apache people. My congressional district is rich in culture and tradition. I recognize and respect the importance of tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships. My district includes the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and 15 of the 19 Pueblos in the State of New Mexico. All of these tribes add to our diverse culture in their own ways. My family and I have always treasured and respected the unique history and heritage of Native American people in New Mexico and across the U.S. As the Congressman from New Mexico's Third Congressional District, I am looking forward to working in partnership with tribal governments and with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to find solutions to the problems facing Indian country today. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, honoring the life and memory of the great Apache leader Geronimo.

Mr. LUJAN

Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment because of our people, beautiful landscapes, clear skies, and fresh air. My district is home to millions of acres of Federal lands and countless natural resources--resources that create opportunities and challenges. One challenge my district faces is water availability and allocation. Water projects on either side of the State have been long planned, and now may come to fruition. As someone who tends to the acequia, the ditch on our small family farm, I know the importance of water to rural economies across America. Land, water, and sustainability are not only fundamental to life in my State, they are fundamental to rich cultures and traditions that make New Mexico great, like acequias and land grants, which are an essential part of the rural economies of my district. Let us work together in protecting New Mexico's rich culture and traditions.