Congressman Jerry McNerney on Monday introduced a bill to the House of Representatives that would force the federal government to develop renewable energy sources.
The so-called Progress Act suggests the government double its use and research of cleaner fuels for its fleet of 630,000 vehicles, focussing on hydrogen and fuel cells, plug-in electric hybrids and advanced diesel and variable compression engines.
The bill would also establish a commission to bring government, industry and academic leaders together to discuss energy alternatives.
“One aspect of the Progress Act that I am particularly excited about is the focus on encouraging important research and development,” said McNerney, who represents the 11th district, which covers parts of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties. “And creating better incentives for engineers and scientist to develop this type of innovative energy technology will make renewable energy more affordable and accessible.”
McNerney, D-Pleasanton, who worked as an energy consultant for 20 years before his unlikely defeat of Republican heavyweight Richard Pombo last November, believes the bill would generate some 800,000 new jobs, increase national security by reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil and help the U.S. become a leader on environmental issues facing the world.
“I can say definitively that we haven’t yet begun to realize the benefits that new energy technology development can offer,” McNerney told the House.
The handful of other representatives to sponsor the bill are House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Reps. Bob Etheridge, D-N.C., Steve Israel, D-N.Y., Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., Albio Sire, D-N.J., and Hank Johnson, D-Ga.
