Yesterday, Rep. Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the passage of H.R. 2641, the 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which includes a Cuellar provision for an Energy-Efficient Green Campus Research Initiative at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

“As part of this initiative, TAMIU will expand on green practices already in place, and at the same time, aggressively undertake other technologies, such as the use of solar panels,” said Congressman Cuellar. "I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this bill and I am hopeful that the final version also includes the provision for TAMIU.”

The TAMIU initiative will be a joint collaboration between the university and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Included in the TAMIU provision are $500,000 that will help the university develop and implement a Green Campus strategy for greater energy and resource efficiency with the assistance of the Energy Systems Laboratory and TEES. The university will also obtain certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the US Green Building Council for a new Student Success Center as a highly visible cornerstone.

As part of the initiative, TAMIU will also design and develop a “plug and play” test-bed feature within the new Student Success Center mechanical and control systems to facilitate future research on high-efficient building systems and renewable technologies.

“With all the focus on green and renewable energy it makes sense for TAMIU to take the lead in implementing cutting-edge technology,” said Congressman Cuellar.

This bill invests $3 billion - $1 billion more than President Bush’s request – to research global warming and to work on new technologies and renewable energy. In addition, it also includes a 50 percent increase over the President’s request in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The bill also calls for research and development of alternative fuels, such as corn based and cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

In addition, it addresses the reduction of dependence on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions and calls for investing in long-term research for developing the next generation of scientific breakthroughs. The bill also focuses attention on the need to improve U.S. waterways and flood protection.

Nearly 80 percent – or $25.243 billion - of the bill’s $31.6 billion will be used for Energy Department programs; $5.584 billion will be sent to the Army Corps of Engineers; and $1.073 billion will be allocated for the Department of the Interior.

The bill is still pending Senate action, full Congressional approval, and the President’s signature. President Bush has threatened to veto this appropriations measure.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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