Environment, Energy Production, and Infrastructure
Environment
Congressman Bilirakis has been active in Congressional hearings focused on reducing carbon emissions, boosting renewable energy options, and modernizing the nation's power generation. The Congressman wants clean air, clean water, and environmental protection; but as he explains below, those things do not have to be achieved at the expense of jobs, prosperity, and national security. He also is very supportive of protecting Florida's pristine environmental resources, improving water quality, and addressing resiliency issues.
Energy Production
Florida families have been struggling with rising costs of fuel. Congressman Bilirakis firmly supports an "all of the above" energy strategy that includes increasing domestic production, providing incentives for the development of renewable resources, and promoting conservation. New and emerging technologies will allow the United States to better harness the existing swath of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that are available. The federal government has the responsibility to not pick winners and losers among the various energy sources.
Representative Bilirakis is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over federal energy policy. He intends to use this position to work in a bipartisan fashion to eliminate barriers to domestic energy production and encourage economic growth. He has also been a cosponsor of legislation to build the Keystone Pipeline – which would provide an instant boost to domestic energy production that will lower energy costs, ensure less dependence on hostile nations, and create tens of thousands of jobs, in areas where job opportunities are scarce.
Unfortunately, this Administration is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to energy production. Congressman Bilirakis fully supports the House Energy and Commerce Republican plan to secure America's energy future and provide a competitive advantage against China - the world's top carbon polluter. The Congressman believes these solutions will help modernize our infrastructure and ensure America continues to lead the world in reducing emissions- while keeping energy costs low for Americans. These pro-consumer and pro-environmental energy solutions are a far better option for achieving these goals than the job-killing proposals put forth by leading Democrats, such as the Green New Deal, cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline and restricting domestic oil exploration.
Infrastructure
Congressman Bilirakis believes infrastructure is an area where there is a real opportunity to build bipartisan consensus, but not if leaders in the House and Senate insist on using the budget reconciliation process and avoid compromise. Many prior infrastructure proposals would have benefited important local projects in the Congressman's district if implemented. This includes:
- Additional funding streams and programs for flood risk management;
- Support for septic to sewer conversions and other water quality initiatives;
- Reduced traffic congestion and improved hurricane evacuation through expedited approval and reliable funding streams for priority projects;
- Expanded broadband and fiber connectivity throughout rural communities;
- Improved permitting processes for critical projects, like the Ridge Road extension. We must never have another public safety project linger for over 20 years;
- Strengthened protections for the nation's critical infrastructure to better protect against cyberattack
The Congressman is optimistic about the chances for bipartisan cooperation that will lead to a much-needed re-investment in the nation as we work to strengthen and modernize its crumbling infrastructure.
Ridge Road
The Congressman is relieved that the Ridge Road project was finally permitted and has opened. This project is necessary for the safety and timely evacuation of both Pasco and Pinellas residents. There are currently only two east/west routes that can evacuate our coastal residents inland during a storm. Even worse, one of those routes is prone to flooding and can bottleneck to one lane during a storm. This is dangerous and unacceptable.
The Congressman worked closely with Pasco County officials, the Army Corps and President Trump in order to expedite approval of the permit. When a funding snag arose amid construction, Congressman Bilirakis stepped in and worked with the state to ensure the project could progress.