Environment and Energy

For more than 20 years, Senator Lieberman has championed environmental causes on the floor of the United States Senate. From helping to negotiate the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, to sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska from oil and gas exploration, Senator Lieberman has been at the forefront of protecting the environment. During the 110th and 111th Congresses, Senator Lieberman authored two respective climate change bills. The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007 was truly a landmark bill, as it was the first climate change bill to come before the full Senate for a vote. In addition to tackling the challenge of global warming, Senator Lieberman has repeatedly sought additional funding for conservation efforts throughout the state, including Long Island Sound, Litchfield Hills, and the Quiet Corner. Moving forward, Senator Lieberman will continue to build on these impressive successes.

Skip to: Climate Change | LIHEAP | Protecting the Long Island Sound | Preserving Connecticut's Natural Beauty | Protecting Domestic Animals and Wildlife | Legislation from the 112th Congress |

Climate Change

Senator Lieberman believes that there is no greater threat to our environment than global climate change. In addition to the environmental impacts, global climate change endangers our economy and national security. Left unabated, this ominous weather pattern will ravage coastlines and coastal communities, destroy roadways and railways, and seriously degrade land resources and biodiversity. Subsequent climate-induced droughts will cause famine, threatening already scarce resources and destabilizing developing nations that are slow to react. Every day we fail to reform our energy habits, we guarantee the solution will be far more expensive.

Over the past decade, Senator Lieberman has sponsored several bills aimed at reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions – two of which were voted on in the Senate but ultimately failed. Senator Lieberman believes that instituting a cap on carbon dioxide emissions will benefit our environment and drive economic progress. The latter will come to fruition as entrepreneurs develop the clean energy technology that will fuel the United States in the coming years.

In May 2010, Senator Lieberman and Senator John Kerry (D-MA), released a comprehensive energy and climate discussion draft called the American Power Act (APA). The goals of the APA were to create new jobs across the economy; increase our national security by putting our country on a path toward energy independence; and curb our greenhouse gas emissions, effectively cleaning up our air and water. The APA sought to achieve these goals through mechanisms that were considered business and consumer friendly. Senator Lieberman was disappointed that the APA did not come before the full Senate prior to the adjournment of the 111th Congress, but he remains steadfast in his belief that global climate change must be addressed through comprehensive legislation.

Senator Lieberman helped to negotiate the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, which helped to clean up the air across our country, but especially in New England, and is also a proud cosponsor of the Clean Air Act Resolution, a measure recognizing the past, present, and future public health and economic benefits of cleaner air. Without a doubt, the Clean Air Act remains an invaluable tool for improving our nation’s air quality; and Senator Lieberman will continue to oppose attempts to roll back its successful provisions.

Although greenhouse gas concentrations are an international problem, the United States is undeniably wasteful when it comes to our consumption of energy. For this reason, Senator Lieberman has worked hard to ensure that efforts to improve building efficiency are properly funded and widely implemented.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Senator has been a consistent advocate for increased LIHEAP funding, especially in times of record energy prices. Senator Lieberman voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2055), which funded LIHEAP in fiscal year (FY) 2012 at $3.5 billion. In March of 2012, Senator Lieberman joined with 42 of his colleagues to send a letter to Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) urging that LIHEAP funding be maintained at no less than the FY 2011 appropriated level of $4.7 billion. The Senator is also a proud cosponsor of the LIHEAP Protection Act (S. 1961), which would provide a minimum level of funding for LIHEAP at $4.7 billion annually. For more information on Energy Assistance programs in Connecticut, visit the Citizen's Energy Corporation website.

Protecting the Long Island Sound

In September 2006, Senator Lieberman helped secure final passage of his Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which was signed into law the following month. The Act will help protect Long Island Sound by providing financial incentives for landowners to preserve environmental quality and improve public access within the Long Island Sound area, which is home to eight million people.

Senator Lieberman and his Connecticut colleague, former Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), originally introduced the bill in 2004. It established a broad-based Long Island Sound Stewardship Advisory Committee, comprised of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, landowners, farmers, fishermen, and other businesses. The Advisory Committee is charged with recommending land parcels within the region for designation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Stewardship Sites eligible for special preservation funds. The Act authorized $25 million per year for fiscal years 2007 through 2011 to the EPA Administrator to carry out the Act.

In FY 2012, Senator Lieberman led efforts to increase the proposed funding level of $2.96 million contained in the President’s budget request for LIS restoration and protection and was successful in securing an additional one million dollars in federal funding, for a total of $3.96 million, for critically important LIS water quality restoration, public access and recreation, and habitat protection efforts. Additionally, on December 21, 2011, Senator Lieberman joined with several Senate colleagues in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and then Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob Lew, urging that at least $7 million in LIS funding be included in the President’s FY2013 budget proposal.

Continuing his legacy as one of the lead defenders of Long Island Sound, Senator Lieberman joined with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in reintroducing the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act (S. 2018) on December 16, 2011. S. 2018 would reauthorize Long Island Sound protection programs at the EPA through 2016.

Lastly, Senator Lieberman worked with the other members of the Connecticut congressional delegation during the 110th, 111th, and 112th Congresses to secure funding for the development of the LIS Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP). As the 2013 deadline for DMMP approaches, Senator Lieberman remains committed to completing this valuable project. Senator Lieberman also inserted legislative language in the FY2012 appropriations bills that would keep all of eastern Long Island Sound’s dredged material disposal sites open for an additional five years so that the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can continue to work on a solution to dredging disposal in eastern Long Island Sound, which is critical to Connecticut’s economy and the submarine base in New London.

Preserving Connecticut's Natural Beauty

Connecticut’s shores, rivers, and valleys are home to beautiful vistas, important historical sites, and great recreational opportunities. Senator Lieberman strongly believes in protecting these sites to ensure that all generations, present and future, can enjoy the locations that make Connecticut so unique.

When first arriving in the Senate, Senator Lieberman made it a priority to protect Connecticut’s shoreline. In 1989, the Senator introduced the Connecticut Coastal Protection Act (P.L. 100-443), which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. This Act authorized the expansion of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as an important sanctuary for neotropical migrant land birds. Building on this accomplishment, the Senator introduced the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act (P.L. 102-212) in 1991. This Act established a wildlife refuge that encompasses 7.2 million acres in the Connecticut River watershed that includes land in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Since the establishment and expansion of these refuges, the Senator has remained a strong supporter who has fought for critical funding for these sites.

In 1994, Senator Lieberman ushered legislation through the Senate that designated 14 miles of the Upper Farmington River as a Wild and Scenic Partnership River. The National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic Rivers System aims to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational value. The elevation of the Upper Farmington River to a river of national significance ensures the preservation and protection of the river. In 2006, Senator Lieberman and former Senator Dodd joined with former Representative Nancy Johnson (D-CT) and introduced legislation to build on the success witnessed in the Upper Farmington River. Together, they introduced the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act. Now complete, the study found that the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook system possess outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. On March 28, 2012, Senator Lieberman joined Representative Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Act (S. 2286/H.R. 4360).

In February 2007, Senators Lieberman and Dodd, and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT), introduced the Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, which would amend the National Wild and Scenic River Act to include Eightmile River. The Eightmile River officially became the newest Wild and Scenic River in May 2008.

In addition to Connecticut’s shoreline and rivers, the state is home to beautiful valleys that Senator Lieberman has worked his entire Senate career to protect. The National Park Service’s Heritage Corridor/Areas Program fosters community stewardship of our nation's heritage sites. The program encourages the preservation of the nation’s distinctive historic, natural, and cultural resources, such as colonial archaeological sites and pristine natural landscapes, all of which are present in Connecticut.

In 1994, Senator Lieberman’s work led to the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley being designated as the nation’s fifth National Heritage Corridor. The region known as the “Last Green Valley” between Boston and Washington, D.C. is a 25-town area in eastern Connecticut. By its inclusion into the National Park Service’s Heritage Corridor/Areas Program, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley gained national significance.

In September 2006, Senator Lieberman also helped secure final passage of his Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Act. President Bush signed this bill into law the following month. The Upper Housatonic Valley is a unique cultural and geographical region that encompasses 29 towns in the Housatonic River watershed, extending 60 miles from Lanesboro, Massachusetts to Kent, Connecticut. The Valley has made significant national contributions, through literary, artistic, musical, and architectural achievements, as the backdrop for important Revolutionary War era events; as the cradle of the iron, paper, and electrical industries; and as home to key figures and events in the abolitionist and civil rights movements. It includes five National Historic Landmarks and four National Natural Landmarks. The area has already developed many significant heritage activities, including an Iron Heritage Trail brochure, a graduate course for local teachers on the area, and a summer art event.

The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Act officially designates the region as part of the National Park Service system. It also authorizes $1 million in grants annually, up to a total of $10 million, for a variety of activities that conserve the significant natural, historical, cultural, and scenic resources and that provide educational and recreational opportunities in the area.

This 112th Congress, Senator Lieberman and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the Naugatuck River Valley National Heritage Area Study (S. 1191/H.R. 2174). This bill would require that a study be carried out to determine the feasibility and suitability of establishing the Naugatuck River Valley National Heritage Area in Connecticut. The Senator has long admired the Valley for its natural beauty, historic significance, and architectural charm.

Protecting Domestic Animals and Wildlife

Senator Lieberman has a long history of speaking up for those that cannot speak for themselves. Over the years, he has introduced and cosponsored a large number of bills that aim to protect a diverse array of animals. During this 112th Congress, he is a proud cosponsor of the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act (S. 707), the Great Ape Protection Act (S. 810), the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1176), and the Horse Transportation Safety Act (S. 1281). If enacted, these bills would heighten animal safety, prevent abuse, and ensure that animals are cared for with the respect and dignity they deserve.

In addition to Senator Lieberman’s legislative efforts to protect animals, he has also worked to ensure the integrity of their habitats. At an international level, the Senator has been a longtime supporter of funding for conservation programs, such as Wildlife Without Borders (WWB) and the Multinational Species Conservation Fund (MSCF). These programs serve the dual purpose of protecting threatened wildlife populations and essential habitat, while also educating people who are often the main threat facing these threatened wildlife and plants. By conserving key species, these programs help sustain large areas of wilderness, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. They address critical conservation and development concerns in countries around the globe. These programs are an excellent investment for the federal government, consistently leveraging three or four times as much in matching funds from corporations, conservation groups, and national governments.

At home, Senator Lieberman has been a longtime supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This program has a 46-year history of investing in the permanent protection of important historical, ecological, and recreational sites. It provides critical matching funds to support numerous state parks and recreation projects in communities across the nation. LWCF is a unique program in that it is budget neutral and paid for with oil and gas leasing revenues. The program was structured this way in order to offset the impact of depleting natural resources and to reinvest those proceeds toward conservation of treasured natural resources, forests, and outdoor recreation areas at the federal, state, and local level. The Senator continues to fight in order to make funding for LWCF permanent and not subject to the annual appropriations process.

Senator Lieberman has also vigorously fought to preserve 58 million pristine acres in our national forests from environmentally damaging road building, logging, mining, and other destructive activities. He favors a nationwide approach to managing roadless areas in the National Forest System to protect their untouched wilderness conditions. These lands provide clean drinking water to over 60 million Americans, as well as habitat to over 1,600 threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant and animal species. To maintain the integrity of roadless areas, the Senator is a cosponsor of the Roadless Area Conservation Act and remains committed to protecting our pristine lands from those who wish to roll back important protections.

Conservation initiatives on farmland have grown in recent years, greatly benefiting the wildlife that occupies these spaces. Senator Lieberman is a proud cosponsor of the Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act (S. 339), which would amend the tax code to establish a permanent tax deduction for charitable contributions of farmland that is used for conservation purposes.

Lastly, Senator Lieberman continues to join with his Senate colleagues in writing to Senate appropriators to secure adequate funding for animal welfare and environmental protection programs. These letters provide states, cities, towns, and organizations with the tools they need to maintain healthy forests, grasslands, and wetlands, as well as tools to ensure animal welfare.

Other Legislation from the 112th Congress

Arctic National Wildlife Protection Act (S. 33)
Throughout the Senator’s entire career, he has been a leading opponent to opening up the Arctic Refuge’s coastal plain for oil exploration; and, in 2002, he successfully filibustered legislation that would have opened up the Arctic Refuge to development activities. On January 25, 2011, Senator Lieberman introduced S. 33, which seeks to further protect the Arctic Refuge. The bill designates 1.5 million acres in the coastal plains region of the Arctic Refuge as wilderness. Such a designation would reaffirm the original intent of the refuge to provide critical habitat for Alaska’s wildlife and protect these magnificent landscapes from the threat of oil and gas exploration.

National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (S. 1201)
Senator Lieberman has been a leading advocate of conserving our nation’s natural treasures since he entered office. On June 15, 2011, he introduced S. 1201, which would significantly advance ongoing efforts to restore and protect fish habitats, improve the health of America’s waterways, and ensure that the United States has robust fish populations well into the future. The legislation would establish the most comprehensive effort ever attempted to treat the causes of fish habitat decline.

The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act authorizes assistance grants for fish habitat projects that are supported by preexisting regional Fish Habitat Partnerships. Based on the highly successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act model, the bill establishes a multi-stakeholder National Fish Habitat Board to recommend science-based conservation projects to the Secretary of Interior for assistance. Regional partners will then work to implement those conservation projects to protect, restore, and enhance fish habitats and fish populations.

Captive Primate Safety Act (S. 1863)
The Captive Primate Safety Act seeks to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to include primates as one of the “prohibited wildlife species” not available for sale in either interstate or foreign commerce. The Humane Society of the United States estimates over 15,000 primates are owned by private individuals or entities throughout the nation. Primates can inflict serious injury on human beings and spread life-threatening diseases; in most cases, the average pet owner does not have the resources to provide for the basic physical and social needs of primates in captivity. These regulations are meant to ensure the safety of pet owners, as well as the humane treatment of primates. Senator Lieberman strongly supports the promotion of animal and human welfare at the center of the legislation and is one of the bill’s cosponsors.

Land and Water Conservation Authorization Act (S. 1265)
Although the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is not funded at taxpayer expense, it is still subject to the congressional appropriations process. In order to help ensure a consistent and predictable source of funding for LWCF, Senator Lieberman has cosponsored S. 1265. This bill would make monies covered in the Fund available for expenditure without further appropriation.

Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Act (S. 398)
Senator Lieberman is a cosponsor of S. 398, which was introduced on February 27, 2011. This bill contains a revised set of appliance standards negotiated by a range of stakeholders. The existing Federal Appliance Standards program was created in 1987 and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. Over the years, the standards have been periodically updated, saving American consumers an estimated $300 billion. S. 398 would update standards for refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and dishwashers. Additionally, the bill would create efficiency standards for outdoor lighting, which have been overlooked in the past. This bill will not only save American consumers money every month on their electricity bills, but it will also reduce the nation’s energy consumption and reduce emissions that result from energy generation.

New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act (NAT GAS; S. 1863)
According to the Energy Information Agency, in 2011 there were nearly 14 million vehicles that run on natural gas around the world; but only 117,000 could be found in the United States. Given the abundant and cheap nature of natural gas in the United States, this legislation would jump-start the industry. The NAT GAS Act creates incentives in the form of tax credits to expand the usage of natural gas in the United States. This legislation would boost domestic production of vehicles that run on natural gas by extending tax credits for natural gas vehicles and building refueling infrastructure and would be fully paid for by a temporary user fee on natural gas used as a vehicle fuel.