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May 25, 2011
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Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) on Friday 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.

Thompson's bill would level the playing field by extending the full tax credit amount to qualifying renewable energy technologies.

Issues:Energy & EnvironmentJobs & Economy

May 22, 2011
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Thanks to a $1.2 million grant, the Woodland Fire Department is expected to add six new full-time firefighter positions to its staff in the next 90 days, City Manager Mark Deven told The Democrat Saturday.

The grant will help fund positions that "were lost due to attrition and remained vacant in response to the fiscal challenges that have impacted Woodland and all local governments," Deven said in a news release.

With the city struggling economically, Mayor Art Pimentel -- and other officials -- welcomed the grant with open arms.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 22, 2011
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As the Associated Press pushes for the release of reportedly graphic photographs of Osama bin Laden's corpse, North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said releasing them is a bad idea.

”I think it would be very harmful,” said Thompson, who recently viewed the photographs at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. “I don't think we should be doing anything that puts the men and women serving our country at any greater risk than they're already at.”

Issues:Defense

May 19, 2011
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After years of delays, the Napa County Airport was launched into a new era Wednesday with the help of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

On a tour of transportation projects in Northern California, LaHood spoke at the ceremonial ground-breaking for installation of new equipment which will allow pilots to land in bad weather.

"This particular project is important for one main reason and the word is safety," LaHood told about 35 Napa County and aviation officials on hand for the event.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 19, 2011
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The U.S. Transportation Secretary visited the Port of West Sacramento Wednesday, calling it "well-managed."

"I think the investment we have made at this port is as good as anywhere in the country," secretary Ray LaHood said.

LaHood toured the port with Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, as part of a visit to key transportation projects in Thompson's 1st District.

LaHood said the current administration has "paid a lot of attention to ports," adding ports are an "economic engine" and provide jobs.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 19, 2011
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Angwin residents will celebrate the arrival of broadband technology to its community by hosting a public ceremony, featuring local elected officials and dignitaries on Sunday.

Comcast is extending advanced technology services to the small unincorporated community in the hills east of St. Helena.

Issues:Jobs & EconomyEducation

May 18, 2011
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Congressman Mike Thompson will visit West Sacramento today, as part of his tour of key transportation projects in his district.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will join Thompson, D-St. Helena. According to a news release from Thompson's office, the congressman and LaHood will see firsthand how transportation investment has increased Northern California's economic competitiveness and examine where future project funding opportunities may exist.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 18, 2011
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The long-awaited Napa County Airport upgrade will break ground today with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Napa, joining county officials and staff at the event.

The event is open to the public.

The upgrade will allow pilots to use their instruments to land in bad weather, they said.

Issues:Jobs & Economy

May 18, 2011
News Articles
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that he disagreed with a cabinet colleague on how hydrogen fuel cell research should be prioritized, lauded efforts to expand the port here and defended California's high-speed rail plan.

LaHood did so during a Wednesday visit to the California Fuel Cell Partnership after riding a hydrogen-powered bus at the nearby Port of West Sacramento alongside Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and local officials.

Issues:Jobs & Economy