You may be aware that the theme for Earth Day 2000 is clean energy.  As we look forward to April 22, which marks the 30th anniversary of the first Earth Day, I wanted to bring you up-to- date on some clean air and energy issues I have been working on.

Middlesex County is in many ways a crossroads between major metropolitan areas.  It also has its own substantial industrial base and has experienced tremendous development in recent years.  For these reasons, I consider the environment of Middlesex County particularly vulnerable. 

As your Congressman, I have focused much of my legislative effort in the House on clean air, clean water and energy issues. This has been strengthened by my position on the House Commerce and Resources Committees where I play a significant role on environmental legislation.

I am the author of the Fair Energy Competition Act which would reduce power plant emissions, including carbon dioxide, the major source of global climate change.  The bill also sets up a federal fund to match state funds to guarantee the provision of electricity to all consumers, including the elderly and low income families.  

The bill also requires electric utilities to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind and to dramatically increase energy conservation.

This legislation, which is supported by numerous environmental groups, is the only bill in the House that contains these provisions.   

Also of importance to New Jersey is my bill, H.R. 1705, to completely phase out the use of the controversial gasoline additive MTBE and lift the requirement nationwide for oxygenates in gasoline.  MTBE has been found to contaminate ground water in our state and around the nation.  H.R. 1705, the only comprehensive bill of its kind in the House, ensures that we do not lose air quality benefits as we eliminate MTBE.

In response to pressure from myself and other Members of Congress, EPA announced last week it will seek to "significantly reduce or eliminate" the use of MTBE.  It also called on Congress to speed up the process for passing legislation, such as H.R. 1705. Now that EPA has recognized the seriousness of the problem, I hope that H.R. 1705 will move quickly toward passage.  

Finally, I am very disturbed by the continued high levels of PCBs and other toxic compounds in the Raritan River that are adversely affecting marine life.  The PCBs have migrated from the Kin Buc Superfund site through Edmond's Creek.  Last week, I urged the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to initiate immediately a comprehensive PCB testing program in the Raritan River and post signs along the river warning against fish and shellfish consumption.

Let me also remind you that my web site-- www.house.gov/pallone--includes a great deal of information on environmental issues and grants under "Livable Communities."  

In addition, in recognition of Earth Day,  I have created a special link to the Earth Day website that is coordinating activities nationwide.  This site also contains educational materials and updates related to Earth Day.  Just go to "Statements" on my home page.

It is my hope that Earth Day 2000 will generate the same enthusiasm as the first one did.  We have the knowledge now of global warming and advances in clean energy and renewable technologies--advantages which we did not possess 30 years ago. 
I hope that efforts we launch this Earth Day will result in real and lasting progress toward even cleaner air and cleaner water for the next generation.

                              Sincerely,
 

                              FRANK PALLONE, JR.