Global Warming
A growing number of scientists believe that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are leading to increased global temperatures. According to the Congressional Research Service, the most recent state-of-the-art computer models of the Earth's climate have projected a global average warming of almost 3 to 10.7 ˚F over the next 100 years, if greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at the current rate. A warmer climate could have far-reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and unmanaged ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources and sea levels.
I have long advocated for investing in the development of alternative sources of energy, such as
hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel could help improve fuel supply stability, while lowering or eliminating emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases that lead to global warming. I have also cosponsored the
Safe Climate Act (H.R.
5642) that would create aggressive requirements to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill would cap U.S. emissions in 2010, and then gradually reduces them by 2 percent per year until 2020; create a flexible, market-based, emissions trading program; establish new requirements for cleaner cars; and require more electricity from renewable energy.
Additional actions regarding climate
change:
- July 24, 2006 – Letter to President Bush urging the Administration to address global climate change
Clean Air
While the United States has made significant progress in cleaning up the air we breath since the landmark Clean Air Act was passed 30 years ago, we must do more. Pollution in our air impacts the integrity of our atmosphere, our water supply, and the health of our children. It is vital that we set and maintain strong standards for the quality of our air, for this and future generations.
I am a cosponsor of the Clean Smokestacks Act of
2005
(H.R.
1451), which would set stronger limits for the emission of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide and mercury by all power plants, regardless of age. Currently, older power plants are exempted from most clear air standards. If passed, this bill would help states like Connecticut reduce the hazardous impact of power plant emissions.
Additional information from the Library
of Congress:
Clean Water
When the Clean Water Act was signed into law in 1972, the United States took an important step towards eliminating pollution from all of our nation's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Studies have shown that the Clean Water Act keeps more than 900 million pounds of sewage and a billion pounds of toxic chemicals out of our waterways every year. Despite this success, a majority of Americans still live within 10 miles of polluted water that is unsafe for drinking, fishing or swimming. I will continue to fight in Congress for tough standards that prevent the illegal and dangerous pollution of our waterways.
I am a cosponsor of the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of
2005
(H.R.
1356), which would give Congress the authority to regulate activity affecting all waters within the United States. Current law gives Congress the ability to regulate only the navigable waters of the country. If passed, this legislation would ensure that clean water standards can be used to protect every pond, lake and stream in the United States.
Additional actions to protect our water:
- March 18, 2005 - Letter
to the Appropriations Committee regarding the funding of the Water
Systems Council (WSC) wellcare ® program that focuses on protecting
drinking water from individual wells.
- March 18, 2005 - Letter
to the Appropriations Committee regarding the funding for sewage
pollution control projects along the Connecticut River in
Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- April 29, 2005 - Letter
to the Appropriations Committee regarding the funding of the Land and
Water Conservation Fund that supports the acquisition and maintenance
of our national wildlife refuges, parks, forests, and public domain
lands.
Additional information from the Library
of Congress:
Protecting Our National Forests
The National Forest System helps conserve and protect over 191 million acres of forestland for the American people. Every year, millions of Americans use the forests to camp, fish and hunt. In addition, these forests are an important part of the environment and help provide us with clean air and water, and an abundant wildlife. These forests must be protected.
I am a cosponsor of the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act
(H.R.
3563), which would prevent roads from being built in 58.5 million acres of our national forests.
I am also a cosponsor of the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act
(H.R.
3420), which would prevent commercial logging and timber sales on public federal lands.
Additional actions to protect our
forests:
- March 18, 2005 - Letter to the
Appropriations Committee regarding the funding of the USDA Forest
Service's Forest Legacy Program.
- March 18, 2005 - Letter to the
Appropriations Committee regarding the funding of the Highlands Region
conservation partnership projects that extend from Connecticut across
New York State, northern New Jersey, and into eastern Pennsylvania.
Additional information from the Library
of Congress:
Preserving the Lower
Farmington
River
and Salmon Brook
The
Farmington
River
and Salmon Brook are unique cultural and recreational resources for the
first district and the State of
Connecticut. Threats to the
Lower Farmington’s water quality demonstrate the urgent need for a cooperative effort
among federal, state, and local interests to preserve the river for future
generations. The
Lower Farmington
clearly deserves federal protection and would make a valuable addition to
the Wild and Scenic River System. To this end, I joined
Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (CT-5) in introducing the Lower Farmington
River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2005 (H.R.
1344) to study these rivers for potential addition to the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designation as a federal wild and scenic
river would qualify would ensure that the lower
Farmington
River
is preserved and protected for the benefit of this and future generations.
11/13/06
- Larson Applauds Passage of Bill to Protect Lower Farmington River and
Salmon Brook (Environment)
Protecting the Long Island Sound
The Long Island Sound is an important economic and ecological resource for Connecticut and New England. The Sound contributes approximately $6 billion annually to the regional economy and is a cherished resource for the 28 million people that live within 50 miles of its shores. I joined with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation in cosponsoring the
Long Island Sound Stewardship Act (H.R.
307) to identify, protect and enhance sites with ecological, education, and recreational value along the Sound in Connecticut and New York. In addition, I have worked with the delegation to secure much needed funding to help preserve and protect the Sound for future generations.
H.R.
1155
The Alaska Rainforest Conservation Act
Designates specified lands in the Chugach National Forest and in the
Tongass National Forest located in Alaska as components of the National
Wilderness Preservation System.
H.R.
1204
Rockies Prosperity Act
Designates the following lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System): (1) Greater Glacier/Northern Continental Divide ecosystem; (2) Greater Yellowstone ecosystem; (3) Greater Salmon/Selway ecosystem; (4) Greater Cabinet/Yaak/Selkirk ecosystem; (5) Islands in the Sky Wilderness; and (6) Blackfeet Wilderness.
H.R.
1774
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2003
Designates specified lands in the following areas of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Great Basin; (2) Zion and Mojave Desert; (3) the Grand Staircase and the Escalante Canyons; (4) Moab-La Sal Canyons; (5) Henry Mountains; (6) Glen Canyon; (7) San Juan-Anasazi; (8) Canyonlands Basin; (9) San Rafael Swell; and (10) Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin.
Additional actions to protect our
environment:
- February 8, 2005 - Letter to the
Budget Committee in opposition to any language in the budget that
approves drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
- May 3, 2005 - Letter to the
Appropriations Committee regarding the funding of the Superfund
program, which provides for the cleanup of our nation's most polluted
toxic sites.
