U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas)  has received the 2008 Ground Water Protector Award from the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).

The Ground Water Protector Award honors people for their public service efforts in conjunction with ground water conservation, protection and use. Doggett is being recognized for his leadership in supporting tax credits for geothermal heat pumps as an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly tool to help address the nation’s energy needs. Rep. Doggett sponsored H.R. 5351, which includes a provision providing residential tax credits up to $2,000 for geothermal heat pump systems. It passed the House on Feb. 27.  

 “As our country continues to work toward greater energy independence, we truly appreciate Rep. Doggett’s support of the geothermal heat pump tax credit,” says NGWA Government Affairs Committee chairman Alan Eades. “This tax cut’s time has come, and we are grateful that Rep. Doggett is working to make this legislation a reality.”