New Solutions to Create an Infrastructure for the 21st Century
-
I support —
- creation of an Energy Infrastructure Commission to initiate and coordinate research, evaluation and planning for next generation interstate electric power grids, energy transmission pipelines and communications infrastructure. This system will be more efficient than current technology and much less susceptible to blackouts or other interruptions of service.
- development and planning of integrated interstate energy pipeline and electrical grid systems specifically designed to distribute zero-pollution energy carriers (hydrogen and electricity) from production centers to consumers.
- a 20% federal renewable portfolio standard for electric power generation and a federal renewable fuel standard for transportation energy systems.
- the U.S. Treasury extending the “full faith and credit” guarantees for loans used to construct new energy infrastructure projects or to add or expand domestic manufacturing capability for qualified sustainable energy technologies and components.
- creation and issuance of Clean Energy U.S. Treasury Bonds for new energy infrastructure projects or to add or expand domestic manufacturing capability for qualified sustainable energy technologies and components.
- making renewable energy production tax credits permanent. This will stimulate investment in projects that reduce carbon emissions from the fuel mix for electric power production, reduce out-of-pocket costs to consumers and create demand for domestic manufacture of components.
Transportation Solutions: Building for Future Generations
-
I will —
- support creation of a Regional Transportation Authority for North Florida. Real traffic and transit planning must occur prior to urban development. Congestion in Clay, Duval, Marion, Lake and Alachua Counties can only be solved if a realistic vision is created for the region's transportation needs.
- work with the League of Cities to support financial incentives to encourage communities throughout the nation to choose pollution-free vehicles and encourage infill and pollution-free commuting, shopping and social activities.
- support increased federal funding for both capital and operating expenses required for public transit to offer frequent and reliable service.
- fight for maximum federal funding for the purchase of public transit equipment needed to implement multimodal transportation systems to serve commuters in Alachua, Duval and Clay counties. It is essential to have state-of-the art, comfortable, well-maintained equipment operating on ten-minute headways during peak traffic periods, in order to capture the ridership needed to reduce traffic congestion and give workers an easier commute in the Jacksonville and Gainesville metropolitan areas.
- work with local government and developers to find creative methods to finance expansion of public transit systems that will improve mobility for retired citizens in Marion and Lake Counties.
- secure federal funds to maintain and improve federally funded roads, including our Interstate highway system and US Highways 17, 27, 301 and 441.
- work with Rep. Corrine Brown to plan and fund construction of the Outer Beltway in the Jacksonville Metropolitan area, including a third bridge over the St. Johns River in Clay County. This will help to clear congestion throughout the Westside and in Clay County.
- explore the feasibility of a hydrofoil or other water taxi/ferry system between downtown Jacksonville, the Westside, NAS Jacksonville and the Orange Park/Mandarin area to conserve gas and ease congestion on Jacksonville's roads.
