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.
Rep. Mike Quigley visited Loyola University Chicago to discuss migratory bird safety across and to learn what the university is doing to make buildings on its Lake Shore Campus more bird safe.
Rep. Quigley published an editorial in the Daily Herald on the global importance of clean drinking water on World Water Day.
Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke to his colleagues on the House floor about how scientists have discovered a number of “tipping points” where abrupt changes in climate could create a variety of national and global effects.
More on Energy / Environment
Aug 18, 2016
Press Release
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force and the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, visited the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Research Vessel Sturgeon at Navy Pier. During the one-hour visit, Rep. Quigley, USGS leadership, and other partners talked about the value of the Great Lakes fishery, the changing ecology of the Great Lakes, the threat of invasive, non-native species to the Great Lakes’ ecosystem, the inter-jurisdictional management structure, and the role of the USGS.
Jul 7, 2016
Speeches
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) urged his colleagues on the House floor to act on climate change before our limited water resources run dry.
Jul 5, 2016
Editorials
People are familiar with Ozone Action Days — times when ozone levels are high and people should be cautious. They should also make themselves familiar with Overflow Action Days. Overflow Action Days are days when the Chicago area has been hit with so much rain that people really should conserve water at home until the local sewer system has a chance to catch up with all the extra water. Overflow Action Days are important because if people don’t conserve water at home, our sewers back up and untreated sewage is released into Chicago area waterways, including the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Jun 29, 2016
Press Release
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), went “undercover” at Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Company filling wine barrels with the ingredients for Gillian, a Belgian style farmhouse ale, and learning how Goose Island incorporates sustainable practices into their daily operations.
Jun 18, 2016
Press Release
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), visited sites throughout Chicago to explore the local, ground level efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including efforts in green infrastructure, urban agriculture, water quality and research, and sustainable transportation.