WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today issued the following statement celebrating Earth Day and efforts by the Democratic-led Congress addressing environmental issues. 

“This weekend in cities across the country people will come together to celebrate Earth Day and learn more about how we can and must act to save our planet.  Nowhere is it more appropriate to observe Earth Day than on the Central and South Coasts, one of the most beautiful places in America.  Earth Day holds particular significance for our community because the idea was conceived after Senator Gaylord Nelson visited Santa Barbara to witness the devastating effects of the 1969 oil spill.

“We have come a long way in the past 37 years.  Our oceans, rivers, and lakes are cleaner, and our parks and open spaces are vaster.   Yet much remains to be done.  We need to recommit ourselves to using renewable energy, increasing our energy efficiency, to keeping our air and drinking water clean and safe, and to protecting our natural resources from excessive development.

“As we commemorate Earth Day, I want to take this opportunity to underscore my commitment and that of the Democratic-led Congress to protecting our natural resources.  Although the new Democratic leadership has only been in charge a little over 100 days, the priority given to environmental issues and the commitment to improve our stewardship of planet Earth has increased dramatically.  This heightened awareness of Global Warming, the need for energy independence and the emphasis on environmental issues comes not a moment too soon as these issues are among the greatest challenges of our time and demand quick and effective action.

“Since January, the new House of Representatives has already taken some important steps.  We created a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming that will play a much needed role in informing Congress and the public, developing policy initiatives, and assuring we make real progress on these two intertwined issues over the next two years.  In its first 100 hours, the House also passed the Creating Long-term Energy Alternatives for the Nation (CLEAN) Energy Act, H.R. 6.  This bill would repeal $14 billion in subsidies given to Big Oil companies and shifts those resources to investments in clean, alternative energy and energy efficiency.  In addition, last month the House passed a budget that places a high priority on tackling global warming and making America more energy independent.  The House is also launching a ‘Green the Capitol’ initiative that will make the Congress a leader for environmental stewardship and sustainable energy use.

“Beyond these efforts, I will continue my work to protect our oceans and coastlines, preserve open spaces and public lands, and encourage the use of clean, safe alternative energy sources.”

Congresswoman Lois Capps serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.