Lizzie Fletcher, TX
“I support this bill. It spends money to help replace or upgrade diesel engines. This program gives more money in health benefits than it spends. It is a good program. It creates jobs. It improves people's health. It saves money for Americans. It helps the environment. Both parties support this bill. I want you to vote for it.”
“I want the House to pass this bill. It keeps funding an EPA program that helps replace or upgrade dirty diesel engines. Every dollar spent on this program creates thirty dollars in health benefits by cleaning up the air.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2140, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, reauthorizes a longstanding bipartisan program to cut pollution from diesel engines. Through the program, the Environmental Protection Agency administers grants and loans to States and projects that help replace and retrofit diesel engines across the country that emit dangerous air pollutants, like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, to improve air quality and public health. The program is one of the most cost-effective tools to improve air quality and public health in local communities, delivering at least $30 in public health benefits for every Federal dollar spent. EPA estimates that the DERA projects helped generate over $8 billion in health benefits during the first decade of the program. It is a prime example of a program that works, creating jobs, improving the health of our communities, saving Americans money, and protecting the environment. That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously reported H.R. 2140 earlier this year. I thank Representative Matsui for her leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2140, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, reauthorizes a longstanding bipartisan program to cut pollution from diesel engines. Through the program, the Environmental Protection Agency administers grants and loans to States and projects that help replace and retrofit diesel engines across the country that emit dangerous air pollutants, like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, to improve air quality and public health. The program is one of the most cost-effective tools to improve air quality and public health in local communities, delivering at least $30 in public health benefits for every Federal dollar spent. EPA estimates that the DERA projects helped generate over $8 billion in health benefits during the first decade of the program. It is a prime example of a program that works, creating jobs, improving the health of our communities, saving Americans money, and protecting the environment. That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously reported H.R. 2140 earlier this year. I thank Representative Matsui for her leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).