Energy / Environment

Innovative policies that address some of our most pressing environmental threats are critical to creating a more sustainable future. Today, climate change is a real threat to our land, water, air, animals, plants and future generations. Congress can’t afford to sit back and continue to do nothing. We must take action now to protect our  public lands and waters, support and enhance the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, give the Environmental Protection Agency the tools and funding it needs to do its job, and prevent harmful legislation that denies the reality of climate change and its impacts around the world.

 

As a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), I have been a stalwart defender of the environment, supporting legislation that promotes clean energy development, reduces harmful carbon and methane emissions, and protects our public lands and wildlife. In addition, as a life-long member of the Sierra Club, I have been proud to stand up for our environment, a fact that is reflected by my 97% score on the League of Conservation Voters’ 2015 National Environmental Scorecard. I have consistently supported legislation that aims to protect our planet as well as the health of people around the world, while also supporting job growth and a strong and sustainable economy. Since coming to Congress, I have also introduced legislation to help keep our communities safe and better prepared for the impacts of severe storms. For example, the Urban Flooding Awareness Act addresses increased flooding in urban communities and aims to find solutions for the communities most impacted by flooding.

 

I understand that we cannot solve the climate crisis without realizing how interconnected its impacts truly are. Today, the results of climate change can already be seen across the world’s plant and animal populations. During my time in Congress, I’ve been proud to support wildlife and the Endangered Species Act, which, for over forty years has helped prevent the extinction of our nation’s wildlife treasures. More specifically, I have introduced legislation to protect and preserve migratory bird populations around the country. The Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act is a cost neutral bill, which will save the lives of millions of birds. This bipartisan legislation calls for each public building constructed, acquired, or significantly altered by the General Services Administration (GSA) to incorporate, to the maximum extent possible, bird-safe building materials and design features.

 

Protecting our environment is a top priority of mine and one of the reasons I entered public service. I will continue working with my colleagues to address the realities of climate change, and will dedicate my time in Congress to supporting legislation that protects our communities and develops strategies to combat the many threats facing our environment.