|
October 29, 2009: Interior Bill funds Crystal City and Fort Davis projects |
| Print |
|
Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) voted Thursday for legislation that will protect our air, clean up our waters, and restore our public lands, including major projects in Crystal City and Fort Davis.
“Once we deplete our natural resources, they are lost to us forever,” said Congressman Rodriguez. “In the 23rd Congressional District, we are lucky to have such rich natural resources and I want to do all I can to protect them. This bill will help us clean up our water, encourage clean and efficient sources of energy and restore our public lands.” The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations conference report emphasizes reducing pollution, cleaning up dangerous toxic waste sites, encouraging energy efficiency, and promoting the development of renewable clean energy sources. The bill, which passed the House 247 to 178, also reduces or eliminates 55 programs to maintain fiscal responsibility. The two major projects in the 23rd Congressional District are: Crystal City Water Improvements Project - $500,000 to upgrade and improve the city’s water system to prevent contamination. The project will also allow for future growth in the community. Fort Davis Historic Site Land Acquisition - $500,000 to allow the National Park Service to obtain land around this historic West Texas site and preserve it for its historical and cultural significance.The bill takes major steps to reduce pollution in our water and air, and provides aid to nearly 1,500 communities to improve their drinking water and wastewater systems. It also gives the EPA the tools it needs to study the impact of toxins and pollution on children. “The legacy we leave to future generations should be marked by an environment in which they can thrive,” Congressman Rodriguez said. “This bill makes great strides toward doing that.” The legislation also makes investments in key climate change research, including research in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging consumer energy efficiency, and encouraging the production of clean, renewable American energy. The bill allocates $51 million for the EPA’s successful Energy Star Program – which already saves consumers $14 billion a year in energy costs – and dedicates funds toward the development of renewable clean energy sources on federal lands and water.
# # #
|
