98% success means that for every one Solyndra, there are forty nine stories like Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant just an hour or two up the road from last night’s debate.                                                                                                                                                          

In fact, this DOE loan to Ford is actually 11 successes in five states that together support 33,000 jobs.  In addition, these successes unequivocally show that American companies and workers have what it takes to lead the world in building the innovative clean energy technologies that combat climate change.   

The retooled Louisville Assembly Plant celebrated in June. Photo: Sam VarnHagen/ Ford Motor Co.

Today in Louisville, the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant  is running at full capacity around the clock 7 days a week and employs 4600 workers. Ford made a $600 million investment in the plant, which added 1800 jobs in 2010 and another 1300 in 2011.   The “transformed” plant builds the redesigned and more efficient Ford Escape which is also on track to beat sales records.

 “Workers who once worried if they would even have a job here, are now working extra hours. “It really makes us feel good about our future,” says [plant] manager John Savona. “We are building vehicles that customers want.”

At the opening of the retooled plant in June, state and city leaders, the company and the union talked about how working with government and each other had resulted in a turnaround that delivered on innovation, to the community and to the economy.

Louisville’s story isn’t unique.  Not only have DOE investments saved or brought back tens of thousands of jobs and cut pollution, but they’re a direct investment in the success and competitiveness of American businesses large and small.    These successes are also supported by smart clean energy, fuel economy, and tax policies that create the certainty the private sector needs to invest in clean technologies of the future.  They build on world leading science and R&D in our National Labs, DOE programs that help companies commercialize cutting edge innovation in America, and Department of Commerce, programs that help small manufacturers develop the processes and skills to develop new businesses in rapidly growing clean energy fields.

 Strong demand for fuel efficient cars and trucks like the Escape is also driving job growth in the thousands of companies that make the innovative parts and components for these vehicles, cutting carbon pollution and pain at the pump.  

So let’s replace naysaying about American failures with the truth about Americans working together to succeed. With approximately 14700 successes to choose from, feel free to pick one near you.

For me, the highlight of the interview was the statement Congressman Ryan made in support of the virtues of the Clean Water Act—which for four decades has not only led to more drinkable, swimmable and fishable waters for millions of Americans, but has also played an important role in protecting vital wildlife habitat.

“The Clean Water Act has been helpful too, in making sure that wetlands are protected so that there’s more than a one-for-one replacement in some instances. That’s a good thing. We believe that wetland conservation is a critical part of conservation. Don’t forget that hunters are the best conservationists there are in America.”

Duck hunting in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Unfortunately, Congressman Ryan has recently cast several votes that would only serve to weaken the Clean Water Act.

This year, he voted against an amendment to the House Energy & Water Appropriations bill that would ensure headwater streams and wetlands enjoy full Clean Water Act protections.  The Moran amendment would have struck a policy rider included in the bill to keep the US Army Corps of Engineers from clarifying the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.

And last year, he voted for legislation that would undermine the core of the Clean Water Act’s ability to protect waters and wetlands.  Specifically, H.R. 2018 would prevent the federal government from promulgating water quality standards and would remove critical EPA permitting and oversight authority of dredging and filling of wetlands and waters.  

Healthy wetlands mean better duck seasons.

As duck season is opening across the country—and sportsmen and women are taking to the field with friends and families—many are reflecting on the quality of their outdoor experiences.  Given the countless hours spent hip-deep in our nation’s wetlands, waterfowl hunters understand better than most what curtailing laws like the Clean Water Act would really mean. To the extent that both presidential campaigns want to compete for the support from hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts they should lay out a clear agenda on how they would better wildlife and wildlife habitat including through enforcing the Clean Water Act.