Environment
Protecting the environment is a top priority of mine in Congress. Over the years, many have abused the world we live in and that is why I support actions to clean up our environment, conservation programs, and initiatives that educate the public on the importance of keeping the world we live in clean. I am also a supporter of an “all of the above” energy approach which would empower our nation to utilize renewable energy to help power the country.
Legislation I support:
• The 10th District borders one of our nation’s greatest treasures - Lake Michigan. In order to ensure sustainability of this critical natural resource, I introduced H.R. 425, the Great Lakes Water Protection Act. This bipartisan bill protects Lake Michigan from waste water discharges by prohibiting publicly owned treatment works from intentionally diverting waste streams to bypass any portion of the treatment facility.
• I opposed the weakening of the Clean Water Act. While I’m supportive of states’ rights, I also believe that certain bodies of water- like Lake Michigan- are interstate in nature and therefore must be protected.
• I introduced an amendment to restore funding to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by $25 million. This initiative is an important part of preserving our crown jewel of the region and ensuring that it will be there for generations to come.
• Land conservation is also important, which is why I co-sponsored an amendment to increase funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the FY12 Interior Appropriations bill.
• I opposed the weakening of the Endangered Species Act in the Interior Appropriations bill and opposed the effort to delist the gray wolf from the endangered species act.
• I voted to preserve the Antiquities Act which is used to protect federal lands and environmental resources.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issue of Environment, please contact my Washington, DC office.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thank you.
See also information on saving on gas and home energy expenses.