Environment
Addressing the Dangers of Climate Change
The threat of global climate change is one of the most critical issues facing our nation, and the world today. I believe that we owe it to future generations to tackle this problem head on and get serious in addressing the reduction of carbon emissions. The science is clear that if greenhouse gasses continue to be emitted at the current rate, we will see increased signs of climate instability, including more frequent severe weather, sea level rise and damage to natural resources and wildlife. These effects could have a major impact on our quality of life and could result in a devastating loss of life and property. I believe we must protect the integrity of the Clean Air Act and not reject the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment finding that greenhouse gases are harmful pollutants that threaten public health and welfare. Additionally, investing in alternative energy technologies necessary to combat global climate change will lay the foundation for renewed prosperity through the creation of clean energy jobs and the elimination of our addiction to foreign oil.
That is why I have consistently voted against House Republican spending bills that would cut investments in energy efficiency, clean energy like wind and solar, and advanced vehicle technologies. Furthermore, I am opposed to cuts to important agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, Interior Department, and the Energy Department. These entities only goal is to protect our country’s natural resources and improve our public health through environmental safeguards.
Protecting the Great Lakes
As a Member of Congress from Northeast Ohio, I understand the importance of protecting our waterways, especially the Great Lakes. That is why I am proud that my legislation to help prevent harmful algal blooms by requiring the EPA to appoint a coordinator to address the issue of these algal blooms in the Great Lakes was signed into law by President Obama. I believe it our duty as Ohioans to ensure that Lake Erie and the Great Lakes are able to thrive. Ohio’s abundance of fresh water is a vital resource and strategic advantage, and it’s critical that we do everything in our power to combat these harmful algal blooms that threaten the health and well-being of our state.
More on Environment
Youngstown, OH – Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Bill Johnson (R-OH) urged the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide funding to update the water control plans for the three reservoirs feeding the Mahoning River: Berlin Reservoir, Michael J Kirwan Reservoir, and Mosquito Creek Lake. The water control manual containing the water control plan was originally developed in the late 1970s.
Washington, DC—U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) today introduced H.R. 7049, the Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act, to strengthen efforts to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. The bipartisan legislation would create a special postage stamp designed to raise money to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) made the following state regarding the Trump Administration’s plan to roll back the Clean Power Plan:
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) today introduced the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act to promote conservation efforts throughout the Great Lakes region. The bipartisan legislation provides federal assistance to Great Lakes states that administer voluntary assurance programs to help farms minimize agricultural pollution risks, like harmful algae blooms on Lake Erie.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan applauds the inclusion of $300 million in the Interior Appropriation Bill dedicated to fully funding of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). President Trump’s first budget proposal to Congress sought to eliminate funding for this important program. Despite this inclusion of funding, Congressman Ryan was forced to vote against the bill because of draconian cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other important programs. The measure passed 30-21 in a roll call vote.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan today released the following statement in response to reports that President Trump is planning to formally withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan announced a series of successful efforts to secure funding for policy priorities that positively impact the 13th Congressional District and Ohio. These funds were secured as a part of the omnibus funding agreement, which passed the House this week and funds the Federal Government through September.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan joined in signing onto a bipartisan, bicameral letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt from Members of Congress representing the Great Lakes Region following reports that the Trump Administration plans to abolish Region 5 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – which serves Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio – as part of the fiscal year 2018 budget. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) led the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers.
Youngstown, Ohio – Congressman Tim Ryan today responded to reports from the Chicago Sun Times that the Trump Administration is planning to close the Chicago-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 office and consolidating it with Region 7 in Kansas. The Region 5 office has responsibility for local and state matters in Ohio as well as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The office also oversees the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan offered a rebuke to President Donald Trump’s climate regulation speech today at the EPA. In this speech, the President announced his intention to roll back most of President Obama’s legacy on protecting our air and water for future generations.