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June 24, 2011
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Reps. Gene Green (D-Texas) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) yesterday relaunched their "Responsible Electronics Recycling Act," an electronic waste reduction effort that failed to be picked up in the House after they originally introduced it last fall.

In their latest sales pitch, the two congressmen are touting their bill as more than just a landmark effort to crack down on the exportation of dangerous e-waste to developing countries. Amid a tough domestic economy they are also calling the legislation a "jobs bill" that will promote American recycling and help U.S.

Issues:Energy & EnvironmentJobs & Economy

June 24, 2011
News Articles
The first daunting fact about California water is that 75 percent of the state's water supply comes from north of Sacramento while 75 percent of the demand comes from south of the region.

The other daunting fact is that the water system is dramatically oversubscribed - paper allocations of water are larger than actual availability in most years.

Issues:Energy & Environment

June 24, 2011
Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) today introduced H.R. 2286, the Renewable Energy Parity Act of 2011, bipartisan legislation that would ensure all renewable energy sources are able to compete in the growing market for renewable and alternative energy fuels. Under current tax law, some renewable energy technologies are only eligible for part of an existing federal tax credit for the development of alternative energy sources.

June 23, 2011
In response to growing concern about the proper disposal of an increasing number of discarded consumer electronic products, Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-01) and Gene Green (TX-29) introduced H.R. 2284, The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2011, to prohibit the exportation of some electronics whose improper disposal may create environmental, health, or national security risks.

June 23, 2011
News Articles

New legislation in the U.S. Congress would prohibit U.S. companies from exporting hazardous electronic waste to developing nations where some computers, monitors and electronic devices are recycled in primitive conditions.

Issues:Energy & EnvironmentJobs & Economy

June 23, 2011
News Articles
Modern-day alchemy is alive and thriving. Impoverished populations in China, India, Nigeria and Ghana burn old desktop computers, hard drives and circuit boards, breathing in metallic fumes while searching for minuscule amounts of gold and other valuable metals embedded in computer chips.

Sometimes the men, women and children who spend hours each day burning plastic, wires, tin and lead-laden tubes are rewarded with hard drives holding personal data that they can sell to scammers.

Issues:Energy & EnvironmentJobs & Economy

June 20, 2011

On Friday, June 17, Rep. Mike Thompson delivered the commencement address for graduates of Kelseyville High School in Kelseyville, California. The full text of the Congressman's remarks as prepared are available below:

"Thank you Kelseyville High School administrators, teachers, parents, and - most important - students for inviting me to speak on this most special day: your high school graduation. Congratulations! Years of hard work have brought you to this moment. You've worked hard, done well, and deserve to be proud of your success.

Issues:Education

June 17, 2011
News Articles

With the adoption of its new caregiver ordinance, Napa becomes the only county statewide to require those who care for the elderly to apply for a permit that requires a background check.

The ordinance, effective July 1, requires the permit and background check for anyone providing care for the elderly who receives compensation for that service, whether money or free room and board.

Issues:Health Care

June 16, 2011
News Articles

The city of West Sacramento has landed a $2.5 million federal infrastructure grant for the Port of West Sacramento, which is expected to help the port secure a new metals recycling operation that would bring 65 jobs to the port.

The funding will be used to relocate the main entrance to the port just west of the Harbor Boulevard entrance to a point on Industrial Boulevard near Beacon Boulevard.

Issues:Energy & EnvironmentJobs & Economy

June 16, 2011
The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has awarded the City of West Sacramento $2,488,625 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to provide public infrastructure in support of a new metals recycling facility proposed for the Port of West Sacramento.