A message from Congressman Scott Garrett

Like so many of you, I have been frustrated by the steady increase in gasoline costs. In recent weeks, I have continued working hard to ease your pain at the pump.

On Friday, I joined many of my colleagues in signing a letter to Speaker Pelosi, requesting she bring H.R. 5984, the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act, to the floor for consideration. This important legislation would extend important tax credits for wind and solar industries, helping to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Since the Senate has already passed similar language, with a bipartisan vote of 88-8, the current procedural stalemate in the House is unacceptable. I believe that America needs to expand its renewable energy resources and this bill would help to stimulate innovation and investment.

In addition, I recently signed two discharge petitions to support bills that would promote responsible American energy production. The No More Excuses Energy Act, H.R. 3089, would encourage new refinery construction, boost alternative energy development, and increase deep sea exploration in the U.S. The second bill, H.R. 2279, would expand American refining capacity on closed military installations. If an absolute majority of House members (218) sign a discharge petition, a bill may bypass Committee consideration and be brought directly to the House floor.

Please be assured that I will continue fighting to increase the amount of energy that the American consumer can attain, to lower the cost of energy for the American family so that they have more disposable income for other needs, and to strengthen national security and make us more independent from volatile countries.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett
Member of Congress

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CALLING ALL VETERANS

I recently hosted a kick-off event for my Veterans History Project. This exciting project, created in 2000 by Congress is aimed at collecting oral history interviews, memoirs, letters, diaries, photographs, and other original materials from veterans like you.

Our Second Veterans History Project Forum will be Tuesday, July 1st at 9 am – 11 am at the Tice Senior and Community Center, 411 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.

If you have questions regarding this event or would like to sign up for an interview, please call my Newton office at 973.300.2000. Additional information can be found at http://www.loc.gov/vets/

ISSUE OF THE WEEK: NJBPU Announces Vegetation Management Public Comment Period

This week, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJPBU) announced that it will accept public comments from June 15-27, 2008 about the proposed changes to vegetation management standards. After the initial comments are reviewed and responded to by others, the public comment period will be extended an additional two weeks from June 30-July 11. Comments and replies will be completed 30 days after the initial posting.

To register for the listserv, simply go to http://www.state.nj.us/bpu/ and click on the announcement on the right side of the page. Stakeholders may then submit a comment by subscribing to the tree-trimming mailing list. After subscribing, simply follow the instructions to submit a comment.

I have been closely monitoring this situation and I am glad the NJBPU has agreed to consider the opinions of residents before making a final decision. Please rest assured that I will continue to provide you with any further developments. Feel free to contact my Paramus district office at 201.712.0330 if you have any questions regarding this matter.

CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT’S OFFICE COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU:

Congressman Garrett’s staff will be holding Mobile Constituent Service Hours in a number of Fifth District towns this week. The Congressman’s Constituent Service Officers are trained to act as your liaisons with Federal agencies. But, it’s not always easy to make it out to one of the Congressman’s district offices – in Paramus and Newton – to meet with one of them, especially when you are dealing with government red tape. These Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions bring the Congressman’s office to you. So, if you are having trouble with a Federal program, such as Medicare, veterans benefits, Social Security, or more, please feel free to come by. And, please bring copies of any relevant paperwork with you to facilitate their work.