I found this over on Congressman Calvert's website. As Republicans start to respond to the public outcry for environmentally friendly policies, I think it is important to point out, as Calvert did, that their must be a balance between environmental protection and economic development.

*> Rep. Calvert's Earth Day 2008 Message:

The condition of the Earth and our environment play a significant role in the high quality of life Americans have come to expect and enjoy. The congressional district I represent encompasses a diverse environmental cross-section of California's extraordinary landscape, stretching from the coastline of Orange County to the deserts of Riverside County. The district also includes natural resources that are part of the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana River watershed.
Our region is at the forefront of a national effort to work towards a balance between environmental protection and economic development. Achieving this balance is a daunting task, but I believe Congress can take a number of steps that will help us meet the challenge. One of the most pressing environmental issues facing southern California is our air quality. Specifically, reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country and the world.

Clean Diesel Last year, I successfully requested the inclusion of $50 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide necessary assistance to reduce the negative effects of existing diesel engines. The grants will target school or transit buses, medium and heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, and locomotives. Grant recipients can use a variety of cost-effective emission reduction strategies, such as EPA-verified retrofit and idle-reduction technologies, EPA-certified engine upgrades, vehicle or equipment replacements, cleaner fuels and creation of innovative clean diesel financing programs. The funds made available through this program are estimated to leverage a significant level of additional funding assistance as well as achieve an estimated $1.5 billion in health benefits. During my past service as Chairman of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, I advocated for new national standards on ultra low sulfur diesel. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began implementing stringent new standards for diesel fuel and new diesel engines and as of June 1, 2006, refiners were required to begin producing clean ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel for use in highway diesel engines. The production of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel enables modern pollution-control technology to be effective on heavy-duty trucks and buses. Beginning with the 2007 model year, the harmful pollution from heavy-duty highway vehicles will be reduced by more than 90 percent. According to the EPA, once this action is fully implemented: 2.6 million tons of smog-causing nitrogen oxide emissions will be reduced each year. Soot or particulate matter will be reduced by 110,000 tons a year. An estimated 8,300 premature deaths, 5,500 cases of chronic bronchitis and 17,600 cases of acute bronchitis in children will be prevented annually. An estimated 360,000 asthma attacks and 386,000 cases of respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children will also be avoided every year. 1.5 million lost work days, 7,100 hospital visits and 2,400 emergency room visits for asthma will be prevented.

Green Energy As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I strongly support the expanded use and availability of alternative and renewable energy sources. During the 110th Congress, I have continued to work with other members in the Caucus to achieve this goal. On December 18, 2007, I joined a bipartisan majority of the House (314-100) in approving Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6), which was subsequently signed into law on December 19, 2007. H.R. 6 is a comprehensive energy policy law that consists mainly of provisions designed to increase energy efficiency and the availability of renewable energy.
Here are some highlights of key provisions enacted into law: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) - The law establishes a target of 35 miles per gallon for the combined fleet of cars and light trucks by model year 2020.

Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) - The law sets a modified renewable fuel standard that starts at 9.0 billion gallons in 2008 and rises to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Energy Efficiency Equipment Standards - The law includes a variety of new, more energy efficient standards for lighting and for residential and commercial appliance equipment. The equipment includes residential refrigerators, freezers, refrigerator-freezers, metal halide lamps, and commercial walk-in coolers and freezers.

Repeal of Oil and Gas Tax Incentives - The enacted law repeals two tax subsidies in order to offset the estimated cost to implement the CAFE provision. Also, you may be interested to know that I have cosponsored the Clean and Green Renewable Energy Tax Credit Act, H.R.1596, which promotes the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, fuel cells, and wind energy. Additionally, I have cosponsored the H-Prize Act of 2007, H.R.632, which advances the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies.
Finally, I am also a cosponsor of the Securing America's Energy Independence Act, H.R. 550, which was introduced by Representative Michael McNulty (NY-21) on January 18, 2007. As you may know the Energy Policy Act of 2005 included an investment tax credit of 30% per kilowatt for fuel cells (capped at $1,000). It also provided a 30% tax credit for solar systems purchased for both residential (capped at $2,000) and business applications. However, these credits will expire after two years, and therefore are too short-lived to encourage significant market penetration. Both solar and fuel cell installations require lead times of a year or more, and manufacturing expansion requires a development schedule similar to conventional power plants (three to four years). Financing of new projects is also more complex than for conventional power plants because the lending industry is less familiar with these technologies. Accordingly, H.R. 550 proposes to extend the tax credits for an additional eight years. It would also alter the cap on residential solar credits to be based on system power, as opposed to cost, and would allow the credits to be taken against the alternative minimum tax. EcoTips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tips to save energy Make the switch. Buy or switch to energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Look for the EnergyStar label to help save you money on energy bills and pollute less.

eCycle it. eCycle - take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to a recycling center. This helps keep hazardous substances out of the landfill.

Make your home an Energy Star! As you start your spring cleaning, do a home energy audit and switch to EnergyStar products.

Tips to use water efficiently Make it a full load. Run your dishwasher only when it's full; use the rinse-and-hold dishwasher feature until you're ready to run a full load. Be sensible. Buy water-efficient fixtures and products. The WaterSense label helps shoppers identify water efficient products and programs. Shower power. Shower power! A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons.

Don't be a drip - fix that leak! Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures.

Make it a full load. The average washing machine uses 40. 9 gallons of water per load. Buy a high-efficiency washer or save up for full loads.

Tips to Reduce / Reuse / Recycle Compost it. Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally.

Proper maintenance reduces waste. Maintain and repair products. Keep appliances in good working order. Follow manufacturers' suggestions for proper operation and maintenance.

Just bag it. Take reusable bags on shopping trips. Keep them in your car or near your door to remember. You can also reuse paper or plastic shopping bags.

Wait for the storm to pass. Don't fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money - washes down storm drains and can pollute rivers and bays.

Compost it. When properly composted, kitchen wastes can become natural soil additives for lawns, gardens, and even house plants.

Tips to make environmentally protective choices Read the label and use pesticides safely, whether at home or in the field. Always follow the instructions on the can or container label - it's the law.

Don't let waste run off! You can reduce polluted storm water runoff -- simply pick up your pet's waste; don't leave it to wash away after a rain.

Use clean diesel. Encourage your hometown/state to spend road construction money on the cleanest equipment for air quality.

Compliance made easy. Farmers, mechanics, and other businesses can help protect the environment by better understanding environmental requirements.

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