Clean Energy Advocates Praise Congresswoman Johnson's Call To Release Long-overdue "Road Map" For Water Implications Of U.S. Energy Policy

Leaders of the Committee for the American Clean Energy Agenda praised Congresswoman Johnson for publicly urging U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to release a long-overdue "road map" of how to manage the development of U.S. energy resources without harming the quality and supply of water supplies. These water-related recommendations were required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and have yet to be submitted to Congress.

The Committee for an American Clean Energy Agenda (www.americancleanenergyagenda.org) is comprised of 120 citizen organizations with nearly 2 million members in 33 states and the District of Columbia. In particular, the coalition is concerned about the link between energy development and a clean, safe water supply.

Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, said: "Without this information, Congress is flying blind when it comes to developing an energy policy so reliant on the availability of fresh water. As we enter the summer months when the impacts of droughts on agriculture and water shortages are felt across the country, access to these recommendations become all the more crucial. We should have an energy policy where people matter and that includes having access to clean and safe water."

Heather White, executive director of the Environmental Working Group said: "This letter from lawmakers echoes the sentiment of the American people that we must better understand how our energy policy impacts this country's precious water resources. The Department of Energy cannot afford to delay any longer the release of the 'Water Nexus' roadmap when energy production increasingly threatens water quality across the country, as well as quantity in places where water is scarce."

A January 2013 ACEA national opinion survey found that 92 percent of Americans think "U.S. energy planning and decision making" should be based on "a comprehensive understanding of what our national water resources are" -- a national water roadmap that Congress asked for, but which was never produced. The national water roadmap attracts the support of 92 percent of Republicans, 89 percent of Independents, and 94 percent of Democrats. For more information about the full survey, go to http://www.americancleanenergyagenda.org/poll-water-is-high-priority-for -bipartisan-majority-of-americans/ on the Web.

The news release about the letter from U.S. House Members to Moniz is available online at http://democrats.science.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-johnson- congratulates-secretary-moniz-requests-information-department.

In the US Energy Policy Act of 2005, Congress instructed the Secretary of Energy submit a report assessing the state of water supply and demand and recommending future actions. DOE split the report into two parts: a general review of the connections between water and energy in the US and recommendations to offer Congress guidance in policy making.

The general review portion was submitted to Congress in 2007. However, the recommendations part, called the "Roadmap" has still not been released, though it was prepared some time ago.

Below is the full text of the letter:

"Dear Secretary Moniz:

We would like to congratulate you on your confirmation and look forward to working with you this Congress.

We are writing to ask that the Department of Energy fulfill the Congressional mandate of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and prepare a comprehensive analysis of the impact of current energy production on our nation's water quality and water supply. Water shortages and the availability of clean drinking water are real concerns to millions of

Americans.    The recent and prolonged droughts affecting much of the country, underscore the urgent need for a national inventory and water impact assessment of US energy policies. This comprehensive analysis would give policymakers the information we need to develop new energy sources that require less water and result in lower water pollution. 

In Section 979 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. -- 16319, Congress directed the Energy Department to document the impact of our national energy choices on our nation's water cycle.

Specifically, the 109(th) Congress requested that the Energy Secretary submit a report describing the state of "planning, analysis, and modeling of energy and water supply and demand," which should provide "recommendations for future actions."

The DOE's Office of Environmental Management (EM) was eventually tasked with producing the report and shepherding it through the review process. EM contracted Sandia National Lab to write the report in two parts. The first part, called "Energy Demands on Water Resources," was submitted to Congress in January 2007. It describes the interconnectedness of energy and water resources and the inherent risks of managing them independently of one another.

Part two of the report, known as the "Roadmap", would outline specific recommendations to Congress about how to overcome these challenges using the best science, management strategies, and appropriate technologies. Now, eight years after the initial request, policymakers and the public still need facts about how our energy portfolio affects water quality and water quantity in the United States. While we understand that various drafts of the Roadmap exist, we are more concerned about having an up-to-date report that builds upon the advice of expert stakeholders to guide policymakers on the impact of energy choices on water quality and access.

Our energy choices are water intensive and may have profound impacts on water quality and water availability. This information is critical for a range of stakeholders, from city planners to farmers, electric grid operators to the sportsmen and recreational industries

We believe that a comprehensive analysis and data that catalogues the impact of current energy production on our access to clean water will help Congress make responsible decisions on energy policy. U.S. energy planning and decision making should be based on a comprehensive understanding of our national water resources. The national water roadmap that we are once again requesting is thus essential to our work on both energy policy and stewardship of America's water resources.

We urge you to act quickly and assess the impact our energy choices have on American water quality and quantity. We believe this information will be critical as we debate a balanced approach to energy production in the future."

Source: Wall Street Journal

Congresswoman Johnson Thanks Veterans In Memorial Day Message

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement today honoring our veterans and their families on Memorial Day:

“Each year on Memorial Day,  we pause to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women in our Nation’s Armed Forces, who have fought and died to protect our country. I deeply respect our
servicemen and women for their devotion to this country and their dedication to defending our freedom.

On this day and every day, we must recommit to addressing the challenges that our military families face. As a nation, we must ensure that all veterans receive the benefits they have earned, from healthcare to educational assistance and job training services.

This Memorial Day, I ask that we all take the time to thank our veterans and active duty members for their unwavering service to this great country.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

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Congresswoman Johnson Launches Bipartisan Congressional Texas Maritime Caucus

Congresswoman Johnson has created the bipartisan Texas Maritime Caucus:

“This caucus is an opportunity to examine and strengthen the economic impact that Texas has on the national economy.  Maritime transportation is an integral part of the Texas economy, and Texas is the artery through which commerce flows throughout the U.S.  I believe this caucus will allow my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to foster and generate ideas on how to expand the reach of our ports and waterways.  As the Congress turns its attention to authorization of the Water Resources Development Act, it is important to have a  bipartisan effort to ensure our ports are part of the national conversation.” 

Congresswoman Johnson and Congressman Blake Farenthold are the founding co-chairs of the caucus.  Members of the caucus include: Reps. Carter, Conaway, Culberson, Flores, Gene Green, Hinojosa, Jackson Lee, McCaul, Olson, Vela, Weber, and Williams.

The bipartisan caucus will work to:

• Educate Congressional members and staff on how ports and waterways affect their districts. 

• Highlight how Texas ports and waterways facilitate goods movement throughout the country.

• Support a robust Water Resources Development Act that includes provisions to:

• Protect and spend down the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for its intended purpose.  Create a firewall for the fund and require use of annual receipts.
• Streamline both feasibility studies and projects.  Provisions should mirror the streamlining changes included in the last surface transportation reauthorization bill, MAP-21.  Streamline the Corps of Engineer’s processes.
• Dredge and maintain the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) to its authorized depth of 12 feet.

Ranking Member Johnson Congratulates Secretary Moniz, Requests Information from the Department of Energy

Congresswoman Johnson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology, sent a letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz congratulating him on his recent confirmation, as well as urging the Department to release a long-overdue “roadmap” outlining recommendations about how to develop U.S. energy resources without harming the quality and supply of water supplies.

“I look forward to working with the Secretary in my role as Ranking Member on the full range of federal energy and environmental issues that the Committee oversees,” said Ms. Johnson. “As a first step, I would like to call his attention to the development and release of this Roadmap, which is a key missing link of information that can guide Congress so that our policies can lead to better management of energy and water trade-offs.”

In the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Congress instructed the Secretary of Energy to submit a report assessing the state of water supply and demand and recommending future actions. DOE submitted a general review of the connections between energy and water in the U.S. in 2007, but has still not released the recommendations, otherwise known as the “roadmap”.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the energy sector has been the fastest growing water consumer in the United States in recent years and is projected to account for 85 percent of the growth in domestic water consumption between 2005 and 2030.  In September 2012, GAO released a report at the request of Ms. Johnson, identifying key energy-water nexus issues that Congress and federal agencies need to consider when developing and implementing national policies for energy and water resources.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing on Homelessness in America

The Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, in conjunction with the National Center on Family Homelessness, hosted a congressional briefing entitled “Homelessness in America: Experiences & Solutions in the 113^thCongress.” Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson serves as co-chair and co-founder of the Caucus.  

“I have worked extensively with national organizations and federal agencies in this field and what we have found is that the biggest hurdle to combating this issue is raising awareness of homelessness in our communities, and poor access to consistent and reliable data,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The purpose of the briefing was to educate members of Congress and their staff on the issues currently facing our homeless population and increase awareness among stakeholders.

“There are many reasons people become homeless. Though lack of affordable housing and poverty are the leading causes, other factors cluster together, such as domestic violence, trauma, depression, and low wages,”  said Dr. Carmela DeCandia, Director of The National Center on Family Homelessness.  “A combination of housing and services are needed to end homelessness for youth, families, individuals, and veterans.”

In an effort to address the lack of reliable data, Congresswoman Johnson has introduced H.R. 1136, the Violence Against the Homeless Accountability Act.  This legislation would authorize the comprehensive collection of information on attacks against homeless individuals.

The panelists included: Carmela J. DeCandia, Psy.D., Director of the National Center on Family Homelessness; Brian Carome, Executive Director for Street Sense; Maria Foscarinis, Founder and Executive Director of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty; and Devin Johnson, a high school student from Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Congresswoman Johnson Hosts 21st Annual Military Academy Day

Congresswoman Johnson recently hosted her 21^st Annual Military Academy Day at Duncanville High School. The program provides high school students with the opportunity to hear from representatives from the armed service academies.

“As a Nation, we must meet the challenges of today and prepare for the future,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “We look to you and future generations to work hard and engage in your communities.  You are our country’s future leaders.”

Beverly D. Johnson, a West Point alumni, and Jae Yu, an Air Force alumni, both offered remarks on life after the academy and how to be the ideal candidate. Five students were honored for their appointment to attend U.S. Service Academies this fall.

Over 200 Dallas area high school students were in attendance, along with Dallas ISD superintendent, Mike Miles, and Duncanville ISD superintendent Dr. Alfred Ray.

Congresswoman Johnson Supports International Inland Port In Dallas

"The international inland port in the city’s southern sector will create, once fully completed, more than 30,000 jobs according to officials centrally involved in the project. It is one of the most significant projects that regional leaders and governments are engaged in, and I fully support it.

The port is possible because of the region’s superior transportation infrastructure which includes five interstate highways and two world-class railroad lines. The port currently services the needs of companies such as Whirl Pool, Unilever, Home Depot, American Standard and Kohl’s. that store products in the facility and later ships them to other destination.

Companies such as BMW, Ace Hardware, Quaker Oaks and L’Oreal should be operational in the port by the end of this year. It is anticipated that the port will become one of the major distribution centers within a 24 hour drive of Dallas.

Goods from Mexico, Central America and South America and Asia are shipped to the port, which is located two miles from where highways I- 20 and I- 45 intersect. The idea was conceived in 2005. The projected completion date is 2038.

The concept of inland ports has gained popularity over the years and they are seen as prudent alternatives to intermodal transfers at coastal ports where goods are placed directly on trucks and in railroad cars. In its early years I was able to secure federal funding for infrastructure development.

As global trade expands many American coastal ports have become congested, shippers have lost time and costs have escalated. Many business owners now prefer taking their goods directly to inland ports rather than having them delayed in coastal areas.

Increased international activity at the Port of Houston and the expansion of the Panama Canal are seen as bonuses for the Dallas inland port. Goods can be transported from Houston on I-45 and taken directly to the port. During my international travels, particularly in China, I speak to business leaders about the port and urge them to use its facilities.

The facility receives four to six trains daily from the Long Beach/Los Angeles area. Currently, products from China that enter the U.S. come through California. They are then shipped to ports in the eastern portion of the country. Good from the inland port will be shipped to sites within a twenty-four hour trucking distance from Dallas." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

source: North Dallas Gazette

Congresswoman Johnson Congratulates The Winner & Entrants Of The Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. This year’s art competition was held on Friday, May 10th, at the Morton H.Meyerson Symphony Center. Art students from the Dallas area had their submissions critiqued by a panel of judges from area colleges and the South Dallas Cultural Center. 

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced that Crystal Hernandez, a junior at Skyline High School, was selected as the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for the 30th Congressional District. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced that Crystal Hernandez, a junior at Skyline High School, was selected as the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for the 30th Congressional District.

 

Congresswoman Johnson Responds To National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Report

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently reported that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have reached an average daily level above 400 parts per million, a concentration not seen for at least three million years. 

“We know that the Earth is warming, sea ice is disappearing, the glaciers are receding, the oceans are acidifying, and sea levels are rising. We know all of this from climate science research and monitoring. And, we now know that we have reached this carbon dioxide milestone of 400 parts per million thanks to a NOAA observatory on top of the volcano Mauna Loa in Hawaii that has been continuously monitoring and collecting data related to atmospheric change since the 1950s. The research being done at NASA, NOAA and other agencies is providing the crucial data that will enable us to assess, adapt to, and move forward on this critical issue. We must continue investing in this work.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Honored By City Of Waco

The city of Waco and the Waco Independent School District honored Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson as one of its most outstanding citizens who attended Waco public schools.

Members of the Waco business community, school administrators, teachers and residents presented Congresswoman Johnson with a plaque acknowledging her as a “distinguished alumni” of the school system at a luncheon attended by approximately two hundred people.

Congresswoman Johnson graduated from Moore High School with honors.  After graduating, she left Waco to study nursing at St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana.

“I had a strong academic foundation at Moore,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “My teachers prepared me for the future, and the lessons I learned helped me excel in my professional career.”  Bonny Cain, the superintendent of Waco ISD, said “We are honored to recognize Congresswoman Johnson for her many achievements. We are proud that she is a graduate of Waco ISD.”

Congresswoman Johnson Speaks About Her Annual Peace Conference & The Need For Peace

"This past weekend I convened my 13^th annual peace conference in Dallas entitled “A World of Women for World Peace”. More than one hundred fifty peace activists from the Dallas area and peace advocates from throughout the world attended the event which was held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

The central theme of the nearly three hour session was that a more peaceful world was a reality if  people from different cultures and backgrounds engaged in serious dialogue, and were more tolerant of differences.   We do not have to lose hundreds of thousands of lives because people dislike one another or disagree with the policies of other nations.

At the conference an Israeli peace activist, Ronny Edry, explained how through the creation of posters promulgating peace people from Israel and Iran were building more harmonious relationships. He said that it was shameful that neighbors in the region of the world where he lived could not visit one another’s countries.

The executive director of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Dr. Hind Jarrah, said her organization collaborates with others of different faiths and beliefs. She said that it was possible for people to work together, although they spoke different languages and held different political positions.

Dr. Jarrah is a proponent of interfaith dialogue. Much of her life is spent attempting to eradicate misconceptions about Islam and people of Muslim faith, many having been the victims of racial discrimination as a result of the events of September 11^th, 2001.

Nazanin Boniadi, an actress born in Iran, who is also the official spokesperson for Amnesty International, spoke about her efforts to create democracy in parts of the world where a free press and freedom of speech were not tolerated by those in power. She has enlisted prominent Hollywood movie directors and actors to support her work.

The conference focused on the particular role that women perform in creating a world of peace. The idea was launched in 2001 to give greater visibility to women who were the victims of war and aggression.  Another objective was to highlight those women who have been peacemakers in their communities and countries.

In this country, women created the Female Peace Society in 1820. One of the very first international women’s peace groups had its roots in 1854 when a Swedish woman started the European Women’s Peace League.

American women have played a fundamental role in peace movements. As a legislator and as a citizen I will work tirelessly to bring attention to those in the forefront of global peace movements.

I will continue to lift the collective voices of women and others in support of peace, and the empowerment of women around the world." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Urges Congress To Pass Comprehensive Gun Control Legislation

Congresswoman Johnson  recently gave a speech on  floor of the House of Representatives to stand up against gun violence and encourage Congress to act on background check legislation. The fight for sensible gun laws is not over, but instead just beginning. 

"It has been more than twenty weeks since the tragic shooting at the Sandy Hook school.  Yet, Congress has still been unable to pass comprehensive legislation to curb gun violence in this country. While an overwhelming majority ofAmericans support expanding background checks, Senate Republicans last month blocked an important measure that would have expanded background checks to many types of private firearm sales.

 Every day that Republicans in Congress choose to block critical measures to reduce gun violence, more innocent lives will be lost or severely impacted by senseless violence at the hands of criminalswith deadly firearms.

We owe it to the American people to respond immediately to this violence. I strongly urge my Republican colleagues to end their blockade on the timely passage of comprehensive gun control legislation." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Johnson Honored By Texas Alliance For Retired Americans

Congresswoman Johnson was recently honored by the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans (TARA) for her work on issues affecting seniors and working Americans. TARA representative Ms. Judy Bryant presented Congresswoman Johnson with the award as the evening’s distinguished honoree. Also pictured are Gene Lantz, Linda Chavez Thompson, Tony Padilla and Congressman Mark Veasey.

Congresswoman Johnson and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Visit the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi recently visited the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School.

The Rangel School is the first all-girls public school in Texas for young ladies in grades six through 12 with a curriculum that emphasizes mathematics, science, and technology. It was recently rated by the US News & World Report as the 14^th Best High School in the Nation, and the 2^nd in Texas

Leader Pelosi and Congresswoman Johnson toured both the high school and middle school sections of the campus. They visited the science laboratory where they spoke with some of the young women in the class. 

Afterwards, Congresswoman Johnson and Leader Pelosi addressed the young women students in the auditorium. Congresswoman Johnson introduced Leader Pelosi with a few remarks.

“In 2007, Leader Pelosi broke a marble sealing by becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Her leadership is outstanding and she continues to work hard to bring more women to Congress.”

Eden Phillips, a sophomore at the school, moderated a discussion with Leader Pelosi.  Leader Pelosi regarded Congresswoman Johnson as a leader in Congress on STEM issues, followed by advice for young women pursing public office.

“Be yourself! Know your power and know that you can make a tremendous difference,” said Leader Pelosi. “The best path for you is your own individual path.”

Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles was in attendance, as well as a number of women’s organizations, including The Links, Inc., Dallas Women’s Foundation, and the Dallas Summit.

Congresswoman Johnson Attends the Groundbreaking of the Union Station to Oak Cliff Streetcar Project

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson participated in the groundbreaking of the Union Station to Oak Cliff Streetcar project. The Streetcar project is a result of a $23 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in 2010.

“I worked diligently to get federal funding for this project, but all of you made this happen.” said Congresswoman Johnson. “The Dallas Union Station to Oak Cliff Streetcar project is a great example of everyone coming together to pursue a multi-modal transportation system in North Texas,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

This project  was a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and the FTA. The streetcar track is approximately 1.6 mile, extending from near Union Station in downtown Dallas to the Colorado Boulevard and Beckley Avenue intersection in Oak Cliff.

Congresswoman Johnson Urges An End To Sequester Cuts

"It has now been more than seven weeks since the sequestration cuts were enacted, and we are in new and unprecedented territory. Furlough notices have already been sent to thousands of federal employees and contractors, and many services are beginning to slow.

While many of the worst consequences of the sequester have not yet been realized, the truth is that the wheels have been set in motion, and we are on a course that will have real impacts for millions of Americans. As a result of employee furloughs, more than 1,200 flights were delayed yesterday because 1,500 air traffic controllers were off the job.

As a result of employee furloughs, more than 1,200 flights were delayed yesterday because 1,500 air traffic controllers were off the job. Because of the Republican majority’s refusal to address the effects of the sequester sensibly, the FAA estimates that a third of passengers will face delays during the furloughs, with up to 6,700 flights arriving late at more than a dozen major airports each day.

Beyond crippling our government’s ability to provide critical services, the Republican sequestration plan is slowing the economic growth that our country so desperately needs. In short, Republicans are putting the ability of our government to fully perform basic government functions that we need to keep us safe at risk.

In short, Republicans are putting the ability of our government to fully perform basic government functions that we need to keep us safe at risk. We need to come to a compromise that will prevent these indiscriminate cuts, and keep our economy on track and growing." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson