Simpson Leads Efforts to Create Jobs and Grow Idaho’s Clean Energy Economy
WASHINGTON — Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) formally announced its endorsement of Rep. Mike Simpson in his reelection bid for the U.S. House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District.
In order to receive CRES’s endorsement, candidates must acknowledge a role for the federal government in reducing America’s carbon emissions and developing a robust clean energy industry, as well as demonstrate leadership on policy initiatives related to climate change and emissions reduction.
“Congressman Mike Simpson has played a key role in advancing clean energy technologies and building a stronger American energy sector for his constituents,” said CRES Executive Director Heather Reams. “During his time in the U.S. House, Congressman Simpson has worked to promote a safe and healthy environment and supported job-creating policies that strengthen our energy economy. CRES is proud to formally endorse Mike Simpson in his reelection bid for the U.S. House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District.”
CRES-endorsed candidates have contributed to a policy landscape to advance clean energy and emissions reductions in a way that puts the needs of the country first. Examples of initiatives and legislation championed by CRES and endorsed candidates have included reforming and reauthorizing ARPA-E and advanced nuclear research and development; commonsense, market-based emissions-reduction policies, including legislation to help farmers, ranchers and landowners embrace sustainable farming practices and participate in voluntary carbon markets; and policy solutions to incentivize the next generation of hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal generation, among others.
Congressman Simpson’s record on clean energy includes the following:
- As the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, he oversees all funding for the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation. As a member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, he oversees funding for the Department of Interior, U.S. Forest Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Co-sponsored the Integrated Energy Systems Act, to help develop energy systems that integrate nuclear energy with renewables, fossil energy and energy storage.
- Co-sponsored the Renewable Energy Extension Act, a bipartisan bill to extend renewable energy tax credits.
- Co-sponsored the landmark Great American Outdoors Act, a law that provides funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and helps maintain national parks. President Trump signed the bill into law on August 4.
- Serves as a member of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus.
- Co-sponsored the U.S. House resolution formally recognizing National Clean Energy Week 2020.
###