patriot majority

Bronx Teacher Rafael Vasquez on Serving in Iraq 

 
Originally published in NEA Today, September 2007

I was a seventh-grade Spanish teacher at a middle school in the Bronx, loving my new career and going out with my friends every weekend, when I was called up with my Army National Guard unit in the spring of 2004.

At first I was in denial. My contract with the military was expiring in just five months, and I did not think I was going to go off to combat. 

I broke the news to my principal and in a matter of a couple of hours, the whole staff knew. Next on the list were my students. One girl started crying. She became distant after my announcement. I later got a letter from her saying she felt all the important male figures in her life were abandoning her. I felt like I had failed her.

My unit left for Iraq in October. We were involved in heavy fighting and my squad leader and another squad member were killed. I was slightly injured by a roadside bomb. 

I came back in September 2005 and went to work the very next week. I wanted my life back, and I did not want my students to have substitute teachers for a month. But as soon as I came into the room, I felt the tension. The students did not know how to react. They all knew where I had been and wanted to ask questions: "How was it in Iraq?" "Did you take showers there?" "Did you see Osama Bin Laden?"

The main thing they asked was, how many people did you kill? Maybe that's because their idea of war was videogames. I told them I didn't want questions like that-too personal. I wanted them to ask about Iraqi kids, and some students did-how they dress, what we can do to help them. Our best missions were escorting civil affairs teams doing reconstruction-helping out, not fighting. 

As soldiers, we had a very limited relationship with children, but every week, we would buy candy at our PX and when we went into a neighborhood, we would throw candy to the kids. When kids came out, we knew we were safe. If they didn't, we knew we were about to get hit.

-Rafael Vasquez, Bronx, New York

Governors Take Lead on Energy Independence

States - in the absence of federal leadership - are taking the lead on energy independence for America.  These innovative policies create jobs, revitalize communities, reduce pollution and lower health care costs.  In other words, these solutions make America stronger, providing a roadmap for how the U. S. can get back on track.

Arizona Governor Napolitano implemented a requirement that all new state-funded facilities derive at least 10% of energy from renewable source and all existing state buildings must reduce energy use by 15% by 2011.  (The Arizona Republic, "State to Tackle Climate Change," March 31, 2008; Arizona Daily Star, "Legislative Briefing," April 29, 2003)

Colorado Governor Ritter increased the state's renewable energy portfolio to require large investor-owned utilities to produce 20% of their energy from renewable resources by 2020, 4% of which must come from solar-electric technologies.  Municipal utilities and rural electric providers are required to provide 10% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.   (Colorado Governor Bill Ritter News Release, "Gov. Ritter Testimony to House Select Committee on Renewable Energy," September 2, 2007)

Delaware Governor Minner expanded the state's previous renewable portfolio standard to require that 2% of the state's electricity supply come from solar photovoltaics by 2019, in addition to 18% from other renewable sources by the same date.   (Pew Center on Global Climate Change Web site, "Delaware Governor Expands State's Existing Renewable Portfolio Standard," July 24, 2007)

Illinois Governor Blagojevich set a statewide Renewable Energy Standard and an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard requiring that utilities in Illinois produce a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, starting with 2% in 2008 and increasing to 25% by 2025.   (Illinois General Assembly Web site, Public Act 095-0481)

Iowa Governor Culver announced legislation to set a renewable energy standard of 25% by 2025, give the Iowa Utilities Board the authority to work with individual utilities - whether  investor owned, municipal or cooperative - to assess energy-efficiency goals, and establish a commission on energy-efficiency standards.  (The Associated Press, "Iowa Governor Wants State to Use More Renewable Energy, Reduce Use," February 26, 2008)

Kansas Governor Sebelius has implemented numerous steps to reduce energy use in state buildings, including: turning off heating and air conditioning at night; installing occupancy sensors to shut lights off at night; installing control valves on air-handling units to reduce over air conditioning; shutting steam off during periods of mild winter weather; requiring the state to buy more efficient and longer lasting florescent light bulbs; turning off computers not having a technical or operational need when not in use for a period of four or more hours; and retrofitting air systems for constant volume to variable air volume.   (Kansas Office of the Governor, Executive Directive 07-373, January 10, 2007)

Maine Governor Baldacci adopted the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards for reduced energy consumption in state buildings and institutions of higher learning.  He also adopted a transportation executive order that has led to a five-fold increase in the number of hybrid vehicles in the state fleet, preferential parking for van- and carpools, and expanded ride-sharing.   (Maine Governor's Office, "Governor Baldacci Says Economy and Environment Are Tied Together," October 26, 2007)

Maryland Governor O'Malley signed a law expanding Maryland's existing renewable portfolio standard to require that 2% of the state's electricity supply come from solar sources by 2022, in addition to 7.5% from other renewable sources by the same date.  O'Malley also implemented the Clean Energy School initiative to put solar panels on schools.  He also established the Maryland Green Building Council, which advised the Governor and General Assembly on how they can best use green building technologies in the future state construction projects.  He then proposed legislation that would require using energy- and resource-efficient building design and materials in all newly constructed or significantly renovated state buildings, as well as in all state-financed public school buildings.   (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network News, "Maryland Approves Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Bills," April 25, 2007; The Daily Record, "Md. Governor Wants Renewable Energy Projects in Every County," July 16, 2007; Office of the Governor Press Release, "Governor Martin O'Malley Signs Legislation to Protect Maryland's Environment; Chesapeake Bay," April 24, 2007; The Baltimore Sun, "O'Malley's Goal: ‘Green' Buildings," March 31, 2008)

Massachusetts Governor Patrick issued an executive order directing the State of Massachusetts to "Lead by Example" with clean energy and efficient buildings.  The Executive Offices of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Administration and Finance have been tasked with establishing and directing the program and to oversee and coordinate efforts at state agencies, including all University of Massachusetts campuses and all state and community colleges, to reduce their environmental impact.  (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department News Release, "Governor Patrick Sets Ambitious New Energy Standards for State Buildings," April 18, 2007)

Michigan Governor Granholm signed an executive order requiring state government to reduce energy use 10% in all state-owned and operated buildings by 2008 and reduce state purchases of grid-based, power-line derived energy by 20% by 2015.  (Michigan Office of the Governor Web site, "Governor Granholm Takes Actions to Address Climate Change, Global Warming in Michigan," November 14, 2007)

Montana Governor Schweitzer signed into law the Montana Renewable Power Production and Rural Economic Development Act, which established a renewable energy portfolio standard for the state mandating that 15% of the state's energy come from renewable sources by 2015, and for each year thereafter.  (Montana Legislature Web site, SB 415, 2005)

New Hampshire Governor Lynch signed the Renewable Energy Act which created a renewable energy portfolio standard for the state.  He set a goal of ensuring 25% of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025.  (New Hampshire Governor John Lynch Press Release, "Governor Signs the Renewable Energy Act," May 11, 2007)

New Jersey Governor Corzine expanded the state's renewable portfolio standard to require that 20% of New Jersey's electricity come from renewable sources by 2020, with a requirement that 2% come from solar energy.  (The Star Ledger, "Corzine Energy Plan Counts on Nuclear and Natural Sources," March 29, 2008; State of New Jersey Office of the Governor News Release, "Corzine Administration on Global Warming," July 11, 2007)

New Mexico Governor Richardson signed legislation requiring investor-owned utilities to generate 15% renewable energy by 2015 and 20% by 2020.  Richardson also signed several executive orders requiring executive branch state agencies to achieve a 20% energy usage reduction below 2005 levels by 2015 and a 20% usage reduction below 2005 levels in the state fleet and transportation activities by 2015; an executive order requiring all state agencies and colleges to earn LEED Green Building certification for any new building or renovation over 15,000 square feet; and an executive order to call on all cabinet-level state agencies, public schools and institutions of higher learning to obtain 15% of their total transportation fuel requirements from renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, and require that by 2010, 75% of state vehicles acquired annually be capable of operating on alternative fuels, including those derived from renewable resources.  (Office of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Press Release, "Governor Bill Richardson Enacts Landmark Clean Energy Bills to Create Jobs, Keep Air Clean," March 5, 2007; Office of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Press Release, "Governor Bill Richardson Signs Historic Climate Change Executive Order," December 28, 2006; Office of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Press Release, "Governor Bill Richardson Sets New State Energy Efficiency Goals," November 14, 2007; U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network News, "New Mexico, North Carolina Governments to Employ Alternative Fuels," October 12, 2005)

North Carolina Governor Easley signed legislation that establishes a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard that requires electric public utilities to meet 12.5% of their retail electricity demand through renewable energy or energy efficiency measures by 2021.  Electric membership corporations and municipalities that sell electric power in the state are required to meet a standard of 10% by 2018.  (WSOC-TV News, "Governor Easley Signs Ground-Breaking Legislation to Promote Renewable Energy")

Ohio Governor Strickland proposed the Energy, Jobs and Progress program with the goal of requiring at least 25% of the electricity sold in Ohio be generated from advanced energy technology by 2025, and with no less than half of the advanced energy created in Ohio.  Strickland also ordered state agencies to reduce energy consumption by 5% in the first year of the next budget cycle and to achieve a 15% reduction by the end of four years.  (Dayton Daily News, "Strickland: Brookville Operation Good Example of Using Renewable Energy," November 8, 2007; State of Ohio Office of the Governor Executive Order 2007-02S)

Oklahoma Governor Henry signed legislation establishing the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC) to coordinate biofuels research and development at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Ardmore-based Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.  Biofuels research supported by the OBC will include development of feed stocks - primarily cellulosic biomass, collection and transportation, conversion technologies and distribution.  (Office of Governor Brad Henry Press Release, "Gov. Henry Urges Lawmakers to Keep Funding Commitment to Oklahoma Bioenergy Center, Proposes Increase for OCAST," January 24, 2008)

Oregon Governor Kulongoski signed into law a renewable electricity portfolio standard that requires the state's largest utilities to meet 25% of their electric load with new renewable energy sources by 2025.  (Governor Ted Kulongoski Press Release, "Governor Kulongoski Signs Renewable Portfolio Standard Into Law," June 6, 2007)

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell implemented one of the nation's most progressive alternative energy portfolio standards, ensuring that 18.5% of all energy generated by 2020 comes from clean, efficient and advanced resources.  (The Pew Center on Global Climate Change Web site, "States with Renewable Portfolio Standards")

Tennessee Governor Bredesen secured funding for clean technology for school buses.  (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation News Release, "Tennessee Project Selected for EPA Clean School Bus Grant," December 13, 2007)

Virginia Governor Kaine established a voluntary renewable portfolio goal that sets a renewable energy target of 12% of 2007 sales by 2022.  A utility may participate in the voluntary RPS program if it demonstrates that it has a reasonable expectation of achieving the 12% target in 2022.  Wind and solar energy sources receive a double credit toward RPS goal.  (Virginia Legislature Web site, Chapter 933, S. 1416, Approved April 4, 2007) 

Washington Governor Gregoire sponsored and signed legislation that, beginning in 2008, requires 2% of Washington's fuel supply be renewable biodiesel and ethanol - making Washington the first state to have such a requirement.  (Governor Chris Gregoire Policy Brief, "Washington Climate Change Challenge")

West Virginia Governor Manchin is working toward the target of eliminating his state's dependence on foreign oil by 2030 by creating Alternative Energy Farms, comprised of multi-source energy complexes to produce electricity, liquid fuels, natural gas substitutes, hydrogen, process heat, agricultural fertilizers and petrochemical feedstocks.  (US States News, "Energy Independence Is Crucial to Our Economic Future," February 9, 2007)

Wisconsin Governor Doyle signed the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act, which increased the state's previous renewable portfolio standard to require utilities to produce 10% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.  (Office of the Governor News Release, "Governor Doyle Signs Senate Bill 459, Bipartisan Energy Efficiency and Renewables Legislation," March 17, 2006)

Wyoming Governor Freudenthal has staunchly supported clean coal initiatives and is leading a partnership with California to see than an integrated coal gasification combined cycle plant demonstration project specified in the federal Energy Policy Act is built in Wyoming.  (Casper Star-Tribune, "California Backs Wyo Coal Plant Bid," April 18, 2006)

Source:  Center for Innovative Policy, 2008