Sep 6, 2006
I regard the RFS as the first step, and one that only produces a transition fuel on our way to a more climate-friendly future.
James M. Jeffords
The Public Record
James M. Jeffords is a former U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his independent stance after leaving the Republican Party in 2001. He served in the Senate from 2001 to 2007 and was previously a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1989. Throughout his political career, Jeffords focused on environmental issues, education, and healthcare reform. He was instrumental in promoting legislation aimed at reducing pollution and addressing climate change, advocating for the establishment of uniform standards for industrial emissions.
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September 27, 2006
Even a diehard Red Sox fan has to give the devil his due.…
— James M. Jeffords
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by number of sources- I rise in support of the amendment of the Senator from Oregon. I think it is an excellent one. He has been an outspoken proponent of regulatory flexibility and I am certainly glad to add my name as a cosponsor. My colleagues may remember that this amendment, or one similar to it, was passed when we were on a similar bill sometime ago. Let us just hope that this time it will get enacted into law. The amendment before us allows six States to be designated as ed-flex partnership States. These States would be given authority to waive specific Federal regulations within their State for local education. I think it is incredible, as we go forward, to fully understand that we have laid out for ourselves a schedule which will be very, very difficult to meet if we are to try to solve the problems of education by the year 2000. So we are going to need the most flexibility, at least in respect to allowing some States, through their own means, without the hindrance of regulation, to be able to establish programs and plans and curricula and whatever else they need in order to make sure that we have a chance at accomplishing the goals which we have set out. So I am very pleased to be a cosponsor and look forward to supporting this amendment in conference.7 sources1994govinfo.gov
- today, I join with my good friend Senator Lieberman to introduce the Health Care Quality, Education, Security, and Trust Act--``The Health Care QUEST Act''--in order to improve the quality of our nation's health care system and provide necessary consumer protections without adding significant new costs; increasing litigation; or micro managing health plans. Over the past decade across the country, an extraordinary change has taken place in the delivery of health care. In 1996, over 67% of Americans received their health care through managed care--almost double the percentage that existed in 1990. However, this transition has not been problem-free. Many consumers worry that the quality of their health care is being sacrificed to cut costs. While the traditional fee-for-service health care system was guilty of over utilization and runaway costs, consumers did feel that they would get the necessary services, treatment, and information to recover from a serious illness or manage a chronic health problem. People are now worried that managed care only manages costs and, in effect, rations care. One consequence of this transformation is that Americans are losing confidence in the quality of care they receive from our health system. The American Association of Health Plans' voluntary initiative to respond to these concerns, ``Putting Patients First,'' is an important step and I urge that they continue to expand this effort.3 sources1998govinfo.gov
- it gives me great pleasure that the Senate is moving to pass the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources and Emergency Act Amendments of 2000, a measure that will reauthorize a national program providing primary health care services to people living with HIV and AIDS. I especially want to commend Senators Hatch and Kennedy for the leadership they have provided since the inauguration of the legislation establishing the Ryan White programs over a decade ago. I also want to commend Senator Frist whose medical expertise played a critical role in key provisions of the bill and continues to be an invaluable resource to our efforts on the range of health issues that come before the Senate. I want to recognize Senator Dodd for his unwavering support for this legislation and people living with HIV and AIDS. Finally, I want to acknowledge Senator Enzi's recognition of the growing burden that AIDS and HIV have placed on rural communities throughout the country and the need to address those gaps in services. It is also important that we recognize the dedicated efforts of our colleagues in the House of Representatives. Chairman Bliley supported this bill through its passage and provided critical guidance through the negotiations. Representatives Bilirakis, Coburn, and Waxman have demonstrated time and time again their commitment to people living with AIDS and each has worked diligently to find a compromise to ensure the continued services for people with HIV/AIDS.3 sources2000govinfo.gov
- first I must congratulate the chairman of the Budget Committee, Senator Domenici, for his hard work on the budget. It is a thankless task that earns the Senator few if any points with his New Mexico constituents. Unfortunately, I am greatly troubled by certain elements in this budget, and will vote against the fiscal year 2002 budget resolution conference report now before the Senate. In approving this budget, Congress is missing a significant opportunity to address some of our nation's most critical needs. Key among these needs is education. A nation that does not invest in its people, that does not provide its citizens with an excellent education, that does not ensure that its children can read, and that does not train them for eventual entry into the workforce, is acting irresponsibly. We must grant the American people a tax cut. We must pay down the debt. We must protect social security. But we must not ignore a most critical responsibility, to provide a free and adequate education to every child in America. I was proud to play a key role in making the tax cut contained in this budget more responsible. I have the greatest respect for my centrist colleagues who joined me in striking this agreement. But I cannot support a budget that puts large tax cuts and unlimited defense spending ahead of educating our nation's children.2 sources2001govinfo.gov
- I rise today to praise the managers of the energy and water appropriations bill for their commitment to renewable energy. I particularly want to thank Senator Reid for his leadership in bringing additional funding to advance the cause of clean energy in this Nation. Growing problems associated with fossil fuel energy use, including fine particulates and global warming, make it critically important that renewable energy play a much larger part in future energy needs. Each year, the important role renewable energy should play in meeting our future energy needs becomes more apparent. This year 61 Senators joined Senator Bingaman and myself in requesting an increase for renewable energy in this year's budget. I am happy to say that this is seven more Senators than we had last year. I am also happy to say that Chairman Reid and Ranking Member Domenici provided almost $60 million more than last year for renewable energy and $160 million more than was requested by the administration. They recognize the importance of renewable energy and once again demonstrated their strong Senate leadership on this issue. For many years, I have come to this Chamber to offer an amendment on renewable energy. This year is the second year in a row that I come to ask Members to praise--not raise--the renewable energy budget. This is a practice to which I could easily become accustomed to. There is perhaps no better time to push these technologies forward.2 sources2001govinfo.gov
- like every loyal Red Sox fan, I believe that next season, my team will be victorious. I bring this same level of optimism to my efforts to reduce the amount of wasted resources and litter caused by discarded beverage containers. I rise today to introduce the National Beverage Producer Responsibility Act of 2003, the Bottle Bill, convinced that this is our year. I have long been an advocate for increased recycling. Vermont passed its Bottle Bill in 1972 when I was State Attorney General. In 1975, during my first session as a Representative in the U.S. House, I introduced a national Bottle Bill, closely resembling Vermont's very successful example. Last Congress, as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I convened the first congressional hearing in many years on recycling, in which the Committee heard expert testimony on the merits of a national program to recycle beverage containers. The reason that I continue to push this issue is simple--it makes sense. Beverage container recycling is one of the simplest ways to see a dramatic improvement in our environment. One hundred and twenty billion--let me repeat, 120 billion with a ``B''--beverage containers were wasted by not being recycled in 2001. If we could raise the Nation's recycling rate to 80 percent, we would save the equivalent of 300 million barrels of oil over the next ten years and eliminate 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.2 sources2003govinfo.gov
congress.gov
Sep 6, 2006
What we need is a future based upon the abundant supply of domestically produced clean and low-carbon fuel.
Sep 6, 2006
These innovations have the potential to move us into an era when driving a car or truck will no longer mean causing dangerous, global-warming pollution or using up scarce resources.
Sep 6, 2006
These innovations have the potential to move us into an era when driving a car or truck will no longer mean causing dangerous global warming pollution or using up scarce resources.
Sep 6, 2006
Will EPA fulfill its responsibilities to protect public health and the environment by making an active an informed decision regarding the permit before September 11th?
Sep 6, 2006
I have introduced legislation to require EPA to establish uniform standards and controls for such facilities.
Sep 6, 2006
I regard the RFS as the first step and one that only produces transition fuel on our way to more a climate-friendly future.
Sep 6, 2006
What we need is a future based upon the abundant supply of domestically produced clean and low carbon fuel.
Sep 6, 2006
As you may know, International Paper is seeking a permit to burn tires at its facility in upstate New York.
Sep 6, 2006
Thank you. Mr. Wehrum, a major challenge facing EPA is securing the resources needed to successfully develop and implement the renewable fuels standard, or RFS.