June 30, 2008

Less oil, more alternative energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With gas prices rising like the summer heat, it's critical Congress supports solutions that help stabilize energy costs for us all.

Increased domestic energy exploration is part of the solution. Here at home, billions of barrels of oil lay beneath the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. Drilling for this oil in an environmentally sensitive manner could help reduce our reliance on imported oil. To most folks, this seems like common sense. Congress should lift the ban immediately.

But our economy cannot always rely primarily on oil. For our nation to have the energy it needs to compete with countries like China and India, we must move toward alternative energy sources to become more energy independent.

There is no single answer or fuel source that will make us energy independent, but several that are within our means of becoming commercially viable in the near future. With our agricultural economy, cellulosic ethanol holds immense promise for Alabama. Across the U.S., solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal and coal-to-liquids also hold promise. For cars and trucks, we're already seeing flex fuel vehicles, gas-electric hybrids and hydrogen-powered automobiles.

To help expand the use and availability of alternate fuels, Congress must lead the way and help unleash the power and ingenuity of the American people.

Here in east Alabama, we are poised to be on the cutting edge of this new revolution of energy independence. Recently, the Department of Agriculture held its Bio Energy Awareness Days in Washington. Auburn University participated in this event and demonstrated the Biomax 25, an eighteen-wheeler that turns agricultural waste into a type of fuel. In partnership with Tuskegee University, Auburn built the vehicle as a mobile generator to produce electricity that heats poultry houses and greenhouses.

The machine is fueled using wood chips, not diesel. Auburn is working hard to see if Alabama-grown byproducts like poultry litter, peanut hulls or cotton waste could also work.

Of course, without congressional support Auburn's research might not have happened. The key for our new energy policy is for Congress to significantly increase its support for this type of innovative research.

When it comes to fueling the cars and trucks of the future, Alabama's automakers are leading the way. East Alabama especially is proud to be the home of Honda and Hyundai. These companies, along with others, are marketing or planning to make available new alternative fuel vehicles and gas-electric hybrids.

Honda, which has a plant in Lincoln, has chosen hydrogen as its fuel of the future. This summer, the automaker plans to introduce a new model that runs purely on hydrogen power, proving that this type of technology can work. Just imagine a car that you never have to fill with $4 gas and emits only water vapor. It is technology like this that Congress must support far more aggressively.

With Congress' support, many more of us will power our future with alternative fuels. If you have ideas about Congress could help fuel our future, please feel free to write. I am interested to hear your ideas.

As always, please feel free to contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

June 11, 2008

Steps towards energy independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Another week, another record. Gas is now averaging over $4 a gallon across the country. With each passing day it seems the price of gas gets higher and higher. In turn, this drives up the price of most everything else, especially food. Because of these high gas prices, folks in Cherokee County are having to make choices. Tough choices like how we spend our time, how much we drive and what bills to pay.

With gas and energy prices at the top of folks’ concerns in east Alabama, Congress needs to act. Although most of us know there is no silver bullet that can make gas prices drop overnight, there are many things Congress can do immediately to help in the long run.

First and foremost, our country must reduce our dependence of foreign oil. The first step for making that happen is to drill for the oil we have here at home. For example, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), the 1.5 million acre coastal plain on the North Slope of Alaska, has potential oil reserves of 10.5 billion barrels. I have repeatedly voted to open up ANWR for energy exploration.

But this bill has always been blocked from being signed into law by the environmental lobby in the Senate. With gas prices rising daily, this is just unacceptable. We are all environmentalists and all want clear air, land and water.  With the strong environmental laws already on the books, there is no doubt we can explore for energy in Alaska with minimum impact on the natural beauty of the land or disruption of the animals that roam there. According to the Department of the Interior the land used would be limited to a tiny 0.01% of ANWR’s total acreage.

 Another area we should look to is on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. This area has upwards of 86 billion barrels of untapped oil reserves, which if tapped could satisfy our petroleum needs for 12 years. In December 2006 Congress passed, with my support, a bill that partially expanded drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. But there is still a large area that is off limits to U.S. companies. Since then, you may have seen China has signed an agreement with Cuba to drill for this oil. That’s right: China has set up shop off the coast of Florida and is using oil our country could readily use instead. Why? Because Congress refuses to allow our nation to use it.

Of course, drilling for oil here at home is just part of the solution for helping us become more energy independent. We must also invest heavily in the development of alternative fuels. Cellulosic ethanol, in particular, is a type of fuel made from switch grass or wood chips grown right here in east Alabama. It does not involve using food stocks like corn. 

Another part of the solution is to build next-generation nuclear power plants and oil refineries. We can drill for all the domestic oil we want, but if the U.S. can’t refine it all gas prices won’t go down. The last nuclear plants were built in the 1970s and we have not had a new refinery built in over 30 years. Congress must also continue to invest in research in domestic sources of energy like “coal to liquid” and hydrogen.

The situation will continue to worsen as countries like China and India consume more and more of the world’s oil. Congress must act now to help our nation become more energy independent. As always please contact me on this or any issue at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

April 18, 2008

Standing up for firefighters and police

WASHINGTON, D.C. — All of us across east Alabama agree that our first responders deserve our unwavering support and gratitude. These folks -- our firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and emergency coordinators -- are the first people we call in an emergency. Many are volunteers and almost all are on the front lines when disaster strikes.

Given the sacrifices they make, these brave men and women also deserve the federal government’s support to help obtain the equipment they need to help keep our communities safe. This past week, many of our fire departments finished applying for grants under this year’s federal fire grant program.

Known as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, this funding has been critically important for east Alabama’s firefighters and first responders.

As a testament to the importance of these grants in our rural communities, talk with a local firefighter. You may hear their department received a new fire truck as a result of this program. Or you may hear about the new gear or training they received, or are hoping to receive. Since 2007, Cherokee County has received over $104,000 in Fire grants. As Congress continues its work on the 2009 budget, it’s critical this vital program receives strong support.

Last December, for example, the House passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act as part of the final budget bill with my strong support. The final funding level included $560 million for Fire grant funding.

Our police, sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies deserve Congress’ strong support, as well. These folks typically apply for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants which provide training, equipment and technical assistance. This year I joined with many of my colleagues to ask the Congressional Leadership for their increased support for this important program. I hope Congress this year will once again make this initiative a national priority.

Of course, east Alabama is also home to one of the finest federal first responder training centers in the nation. The Center for Domestic Preparedness in Calhoun County is the only weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training facility that provides hands-on training to first responders with live chemical agents.  This is a critically important facility for our nation’s rural first responders, and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee I will continue to do all I can to ensure Congress understands its vital role.

As always, if you have any comments on this or any issue, please contact me at any of my district offices, or on the web at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

April 5, 2008

Big Oil and the economy in east Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ask folks in Cherokee County what’s on their minds and you’ll likely hear them say high gas prices. You may also hear folks talk about their concerns about the strength of our national economy.

Most folks know that the higher gas prices go, the harder it is for the economy to grow -- and it hurts working folks, seniors, and folks on fixed incomes the most.

That’s one reason it’s shocking when we hear of record profits at the world’s energy companies. Last year alone Big Oil made over $123 billion in profits. With talk of $4 gas by the beginning of summer, it seems wrong that Big Oil is raking in the profits while working folks are feeling such pain at the pump.

Last week, you may have seen executives from Big Oil were in Washington to testify again before Congress. In the short term, as these executives testified most folks know there are few good answers to help bring down gas prices. Long-term, though, Congress can play a significant role in helping increase our energy independence and ultimately bring down the cost of energy.

Up in Washington, the House recently passed a bill that seems like a reasonable approach. H.R. 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, is a bill that provides billions in income tax credits to help develop home-grown alternative energy sources and encourage energy conservation and efficiency.

To pay for these efforts, the bill would eliminate some of the tax breaks and subsidies for Big Oil. I was proud to support this bill and hope it will get a fair hearing in the Senate later this year. After all, energy independence really is a question about national security. Congress must make it a national priority, and there is no doubt we Americans can solve this challenge if we set our minds to it.

It starts with working to decrease our reliance on foreign sources of energy, and in turn invest in home-grown energy sources like cellulosic ethanol and nuclear power. We also need to increase our exploration of domestic energy sources right here at home, like those found off Alabama’s coast in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Congress must get out of the way and allow energy companies to safely access more of our domestic energy sources. But Congress should also help fund new energy independence initiatives. While I certainly believe our energy companies deserve to make a profit for their shareholders, it is impossible to defend some of their tax breaks when the prices for oil and gas are at record levels.

While Alabama’s February unemployment rate was 3.7 percent -- down from 4 percent in January -- and new industries are continuing to locate here, it’s clear the strength of our economy is a concern.

Hopefully, many folks in Cherokee County will soon be receiving tax rebates from the recently-passed economic stimulus plan right when they need it. For more information visit www.irs.gov or contact me or a member of my staff at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

March 28, 2008

Small business help in stimulus plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As April gets closer and the dreaded tax season arrives, the strength of Alabama’s economy continues to be on folks’ minds.

While we’re all concerned about our national economy, we are fortunate in Alabama that our state’s economy overall continues to look strong.

Hopefully the legislation Congress passed recently, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, will help provide many Alabamians a boost right when they need it the most.

You’ve probably heard the IRS, as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan, is planning to send out tax rebates to millions of Alabamians. It’s critical to remember that folks must file this year with the IRS, even if they do not normally file, to receive a rebate.

Just last week, the IRS released a schedule of when these rebates should be mailed. According to www.IRS.gov, the last two digits of your Social Security number determines when your rebate is mailed or deposited – assuming that you qualify.

For example, if the last two digits of your Social Security number are between 00 – 09 and you qualify, your rebate should be mailed in mid-May. The IRS website also has a “calculator” feature that provides you answers to questions and provides you an estimate of the rebate you may receive.

It’s also important to note that east Alabama small businesses may receive assistance under the Stimulus Plan, as well.

According to the IRS, under this plan some small businesses can now write off the entire cost of new investment expenses up to $250,000. This is an increase for this year from $128,000. Above $250,000, small businesses can write off an additional 50 percent of new investment expenses in 2008.

What we’re really talking about here is jobs. To help strengthen our small businesses, which account for 50 percent of all non-farm jobs in Alabama, Congress made it easier for business owners to invest. What this means, for example, is that under the Stimulus Plan a small manufacturer in east Alabama can now deduct up to $250,000 of a $300,000 piece of equipment.

Of the remaining $50,000 worth of value of the equipment, the business owner can deduct an additional $25,000. With more incentives to invest, small businesses may also have an incentive to expand and possibly hire new employees. And if they don’t hire new employees, the hope is these new deductions will help small businesses invest in their current operations, and therefore help keep the jobs they already have.

These incentives are a good first step, but far from perfect. Please let me know what other sorts of ideas you think would help strengthen our economy over the long term.  

March 6, 2008

Using technology to secure our borders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Most of us in east Alabama have crossed over into Georgia at one time or another. While it takes just a moment to cross the state line at any one place, it’s easy to forget that Alabama’s border with Georgia is actually over 300 miles long.

In contrast, our nation’s southwestern border with Mexico is over 3,000 miles long – nearly 10 times as long as Alabama’s border with Georgia.

Needless to say, securing our thousands of miles of borders with Mexico and Canada is an immense challenge. It’s serious business for the federal government, and a serious issue that most of us in Cherokee County expect addressed in the near future. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I have been working to find realistic ways to quickly help secure our borders – especially our Southwest border with Mexico. The options, among many, include using surveillance technology, more fencing and employing more Border Patrol agents.

Last week, Congress held a border hearing to discuss efforts on the technology front. Known as the Project 28 of the Secure Border Initiative, Project 28 is a “virtual fence” of high-tech cameras, sensors and radars on a 28-mile stretch of border between Arizona and Mexico. The experimental pilot project is a test of the latest technology used to secure the most remote areas of the border. When it works, the system should have comprehensive surveillance over anything or anyone trying to cross illegally into the United States. Unfortunately, as we discussed in the hearing this project was supposed to be completed last summer and is still not fully operational.

While I continue to be disappointed at the waste of taxpayer dollars spent on this technology over the years, I am encouraged that this time the taxpayer was protected from footing the bill given that it was a fixed-fee contract. I am hopeful the project will soon become fully operational, and the Department of Homeland Security is learning its lessons from mistakes made in the past.

The time to fix this program and secure our borders is now. The bottom line is we must secure our borders not only to help end illegal immigration, but also to help slow the trade of illegal drugs and, weapons from coming across our borders as well. After all, border security is national security. Congress owes it to the American people to fix our borders once and for all, and by doing so, will also help protect all Americans from those who may wish us harm.

Please contact me on this or any issue at any of my district offices or on the web at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.
 

Feb. 25, 2008

Rogers breaks down federal rebate details

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Most folks in Cherokee County have heard Congress recently passed an economic stimulus bill. While the good news is Alabama's economy as a whole remains stronger than the rest of the nation, for some folks and small businesses among us facing tough times the bill could have some real benefits right when it's needed the most.

To help clarify what this bill may or may not mean for folks across east Alabama, I want to explain some more facts about the plan. Please note this information is provided by the Internal Revenue Service, and may be a little tricky to follow at first. Also note that your eligibility and rebate amount may change depending on your individual financial status. Either way, please know my staff and I are here to assist you with questions to the best of our abilities.

Known as the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, the bill should provide more than 130 million American households economic stimulus payments beginning as early as June. This includes about two million households right here in Alabama. According to the Internal Revenue Service, most single folks earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income, and married couples making up to $150,000, should receive a rebate check.

If you're single and earn less than $75,000, your check should be worth up to $600. If you're married and make below $150,000 per year, your rebate check should be worth up to $1,200. If you have children the amount should change. For example, there will be an additional $300 credit for each child.

Rebates will be reduced for folks making over these income amounts by five percent of the check amount for each $1,000 above the higher-income threshold. If your income falls in these brackets, all you need to do is file a 2007 federal income tax return to receive a rebate. Folks making above the income limits will not be eligible to receive a rebate.

Low-income folks, Social Security beneficiaries, certain railroad retirees and those who receive certain Veterans disability benefits who earned at least $3,000 in 2007, but paid little or no income taxes, are eligible get at least $300. Married couples at these lower income levels should receive up to $600. Those falling in this category would also get an additional $300 per child.

I am pleased that Congress allowed Social Security and Veterans disability payments to count as income under this plan. It is important to note that according to the IRS, to receive a rebate check you must file a 2007 federal tax return – even if you don't normally file.

For seniors looking for more information on whether they qualify or need to file, contact the Alabama Department of Senior Services at 1-800-AGELINE.

In a future column I'll plan to include some of the other support under the plan to help our small businesses. Until then, if you have any questions or concerns on this or any other issue, please feel free to call me or a member of my staff, or visit me on the web at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.
 

Feb. 11, 2008

Celebrating African American History Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Most folks in Cherokee County know that the month of February is dedicated to honoring the contributions of our country’s African Americans. Here in Alabama, we have a deep and rich history of noteworthy African American leaders, from Mrs. Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to George Washington Carver and Condoleezza Rice.

As a state, we have lived through so many historic and challenging times. For better or worse, it has been these times that have helped bring to light the many contributions these folks have made.

In recent years, I’ve been pleased to see Congress pass legislation to help honor several of east Alabama’s African Americans. In early 2005, Congress passed a resolution I authored honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic Moton Field in Macon County, for their bravery and sacrifice. Later that year, Congress passed another resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Many folks know the Third Congressional District is also home to three Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Alabama State University, Talladega College, and Tuskegee University. We’re also home to the Talladega Superspeedway. In 2006 Congress passed a bill I sponsored to help recognize a partnership between these institutions and NASCAR. This partnership should help better prepare students for the working world in Alabama’s growing automotive industry.

This year, I’m hopeful Congress will consider a new resolution I plan to introduce recognizing the 60th anniversary of the integration of the armed forces. In 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which ended the segregation of our military. Up to that point Americans of different races were, for the most part, kept in separate racially-segregated units. This meant that African Americans – like our brave Tuskegee Airmen – were fighting on the front lines overseas for many of the very freedoms they were denied at home.

My legislation, cosponsored by a fellow member of the Armed Services Committee Rep. Kendrick Meeks (D-Fla.), would recognize the importance of this Executive Order. It’s planned to be introduced in the House in the very near future. With east Alabama as the home to so many of our nation’s veterans, as well as its rich history of noted African American leaders, I’m hopeful Congress will soon pass this resolution.

I hope this month we’ll all take a moment to once again remember and honor our rich African American history in East Alabama, and recognize and honor these brave Americans who served in uniform. Let us all also continue to thank and pray for the brave men and women who still serve today.
 

Jan. 14, 2008

Looking ahead to 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As 2008 gets under way, we’re all blessed with the hopes and challenges of starting a new year. Congress, too, will soon return to Washington after completing its recent district work period.

Like many folks, I was disappointed with Congress last year. We saw too much fussing, and not enough action. Too much partisanship. In this new year, I am hopeful that Congress will return to Washington with a renewed commitment to work together. That may happen, or it may not. Either way, I plan to continue to work across the aisle – as I always have – to get things done for all the people of east Alabama.

Looking ahead, Congress faces a number of issues. Folks across east Alabama are concerned about the ongoing strength of our economy and their jobs. They’re concerned about affording and keeping healthcare coverage. They’re also concerned about our military progress in Iraq and our nation’s ongoing battle against terrorism, and doing something to help bring down high energy costs. Protecting our homeland is critical. Last year, I was disappointed to see Congress made little progress in helping secure our borders.

Despite all the fancy-sounding talk about comprehensive immigration reform, the end result was only limited progress in getting what really need – more fencing, technology, canine detection teams, and more Border Patrol agents on our borders with Mexico and Canada. At the same time, we heard all too much talk about something very few of us across East Alabama want: amnesty for illegal immigrants. Looking to 2008, what is clear is our nation will not be as secure as possible without greater control of our borders.

For our farmers, many of you in Cherokee County know Congress played politics with the Farm Bill. This legislation, while not perfect, is vital to east Alabama because of the safety net that it provides for our farmers. Enough is enough. It’s time for Congress to pass a good Farm Bill. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I will do what I can to help get this done soon, and hope the final bill is something everyone can support.

Military and political progress in Iraq must also remain a top concern for Congress. So many of our loved ones – all those that serve in uniform – are overseas serving our nation. I was pleased Congress passed in December a 3 percent pay increase for many of our troops and the chance of another small bump early this year. It’s not as much as I’d like, but at least it’s another step in the right direction. For the rest of us back home, we all know Alabama’s strong supporting role. Here in the Third District, we have thousands of critical support personnel at the Anniston Army Depot, Fort Benning, and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force base who continue to help provide our soldiers with the equipment and support they need.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work to be a voice for our defense workers and the brave soldiers of the Third District. Let us continue to pray for our troops’ safe return. This year, as the Iraq debate continues Congress must not waver in its support for them.

And finally this month, I hope all of us once again honor one of east Alabama’s greatest civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The national observance of his birthday is Jan. 21.

Thank you for the honor of continuing to work for you, and for all the interests of east Alabama. Please contact me with your concerns.