Welcome

Welcome to the Natural Resources Committee Democrats' website.

Democrats are fighting every day to create new jobs that harness the power of American clean energy resources. Our members are standing with consumers against rising gas prices and the dangerous reliance on foreign oil.

The Natural Resources Committee is tasked with stewardship over our public lands, parks and forests and protecting wildlife, oceans and waterways from polluters and the threat of climate change. The committee also has jurisdiction over the Indian and insular affairs, energy and minerals, and water and power.

Investing in America's largely untapped clean energy resources on public lands -- especially wind, solar and geothermal power -- will help end our reliance on foreign oil. It will also ensure that the United States becomes the leader in the global race for clean energy jobs and technologies.

In the Natural Resources Committee, I and fellow Democrats will continue the investigation and keep vigilant watch over BP and the other companies involved in the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

This was the worst oil spill in U.S. history and several public health, clean-up and liability issues remain unresolved. Most importantly, safety laws and measures -- passed by Democrats in the House during the 111th Congress -- must be put in place to ensure a tragedy like we saw in the Gulf of Mexico never happens again.

This website will serve as a virtual town hall, where our Members can communicate with the American people. So please send us your comments, ideas and feedback. Social media is often the best way to follow the committee, so please join us.

Sincerely,
Rep. Edward J. Markey, Ranking Member