Energy and Environment

As a member of the House Sustainable Energy and the Environment Coalition, Congresswoman Lee is committed to defending the environment. She opposes attempts to cut spending on environmental and health protections and supports maintaining and strengthening current environmental protection standards.  Helping to address climate change and protect our nation’s clean air, water, and natural environment are priorities for Congresswoman Lee.

Congresswoman Lee has fought against efforts to provide tax-payer funded giveaways to Big Oil and subsidies for inefficient coal-to-liquids projects. Instead, she is committed to investing in truly clean and renewable alternative energy sources that will create new jobs, reduce American dependence on oil and fossil fuels, and build a greener future.

In addition, Congresswoman Lee believes that we must couple our efforts to protect the environment here at home with the work of the international community. To that end, the Congresswoman believes the United States should be a leader in advocating for positive change, rather than an obstacle in addressing climate change, pollution, over-fishing, and other environmental challenges.

Priorities:

• Strengthening the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act: Congresswoman Lee believes that protecting our communities requires preserving the air we breathe and the water we drink. To achieve this, Congress should strengthen existing legislation to improve the health of our communities and ensure that no polluter damaging our environment is let off the hook.
• Protecting Endangered and Threatened Wildlife: Science should never be sacrificed for politics. The Endangered Species Act is a critical safeguard for public participation and ensures the much-needed review and analysis of potentially environmentally damaging activities. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lee has opposed cuts to crucial programs that support conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
• Fighting For Environmental Justice: Congresswoman Lee is also committed to fighting for environmental justice. Communities that are already dealing with deep economic and social issues are most often the same communities that are disproportionately impacted by environmental and public health threats. Asthma diagnoses among the urban poor are reaching alarming rates and Oakland has one of the most serious asthma epidemics in the country. African American and Latino children are also more likely to live in urban communities that do not meet EPA air quality standards. Congresswoman Lee is committed to fighting for public health and the environment in these communities. In June 2013 Congresswoman Lee hosted the briefing “Less Carbon, More Jobs: How Tackling Climate Change Can Create Jobs and Expand Economic Opportunity.” The briefing focused on expanding opportunities for communities of color in the green economy. Congresswoman Lee also cosigned a letter to the President urging him to include environmental justice issues in his Climate Action Plan.
• Acting on Climate Change: Congresswoman Lee strongly believes that we must immediately act to address climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme heat, unprecedented droughts, and a host of other severe weather events threaten communities, disrupt food supplies, and disproportionately affect low-income individuals. Congresswoman Lee views fighting climate change not only as a moral obligation, but also an opportunity to invest in green infrastructure and job creation.
• Stopping Keystone XL: Congresswoman Lee strongly opposes the construction of TransCanada’s Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline. Instead of pursuing this misguided effort, Congress should be focused on developing the clean-energy technologies of the future.

Accomplishments:

• Founding Member of the Safe Climate Caucus: In 2013, Congresswoman Lee was proud to join Congressman Henry Waxman and 21 other members to cofound the Safe Climate Caucus. This caucus is dedicated to spreading the word about the disastrous effects of climate change and advocating for legislation that will protect our environment for future generations.  
• Concurrent Resolution on the Disparate Impact of Climate Change on Women: Congresswoman Lee introduced a concurrent resolution recognizing the disproportionate impact that climate change has on women and praising the unique contributions of women in addressing this serious problem all around the world. The legislation also highlights the need to engage women as stakeholders in the fight to address climate change.
• Voting to End Big Oil Tax Loopholes: The American oil and gas industry is subsidized by Congress to the tune of $7 billion a year, all the while enjoying record profits. These tax loopholes benefit the very wealthy and harm our planet. Congresswoman Lee has voted to end tax loopholes for Big Oil, and fought to ensure that these successful companies pay their fair share in taxes.
• Member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC): As a member of SEEC, Congresswoman Lee is committed to spreading the word about the dangers of climate change and advancing legislation that preserves our planet for future generations. Through targeted investments in the green economy, Congress can help build a stronger and safer planet. Congresswoman Lee views the threat of climate change as a moral imperative, and she will continue to work with SEEC to bring attention to this important issue.