It\’s Getting Hot In Here

In my last entry, “Who’s Hot, Who’s Not”, I covered influential political figures devoted to promoting and curbing climate change. I would like to take this time today to highlight a woman that did not make last week’s list because she deserves personal attention. Since being elected in 2000, Congresswoman Solis (D-CA) has been a pioneer in the fight for environmental justice, the expansion of renewable energy, and the augmentation of “Green Collar Job” programs. Her commitment to environmental advocacy earned her the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Solis serves on the House Committee on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the new House Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Solis’s key legislation includes: HR 5006- California Wildlife Heritage Act of 2006, HR 4800- Language to Implement the Stockholm Convention, and HR 1103- Environmental Justice Act of 2007. The House Committee on Financial Services Appropriations approved Solis’s proposal for a $231,000 grant to support an emissions test lane. The grant will benefit Rio Hondo Community College, East Los Angeles College, and their surrounding areas by helping drivers whose cars receive poor emissions ratings with a $100 voucher to use at local business areas to bring the vehicle to emissions standards.

Most notably is Congresswoman Solis’s work on her most recent bill, the Green Jobs Act of 2007. The bill promotes an investment of up to $125 million devoted to the creation of “Green Collar Jobs” to meet growing demand for jobs in the renewable energy sector. Solis’s bill also focuses on the expansion of employment opportunities to poverty stricken citizens. According to Solis,

“This legislation is an opportunity to advance not only the energy security of our nation, but also the economic security of our families. Through targeted job training efforts, we can support both our nation’s innovation and technological leadership and lift people out of poverty.” Source

The House Committee on Education and Labor passed the legislation by a 26-18 vote. I would like to thank Congresswoman Solis and all those who assisted her in writing this bill. By recognizing and addressing the need for “Green Collar Jobs”, Congresswoman Solis is once again at the forefront of environmental, educational, and economic activism.

For more information on how to contact your representative check out: www.congress.org/congressorg/home/