Energy and Environment

Congressman McGovern believes that our future economic security and environmental sustainability depend on reducing our dependence on foreign oil, improving energy efficiency, and creating new, green jobs here at home. The Second District is home to companies developing many of the most promising technologies in renewable energy. The congressman will continue to support these businesses to grow and create new jobs.

Congressman McGovern has also been a champion in the effort to protect our environment. He believes it is vital to protect our air, water, and natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations of Americans. The Congressman spearheaded the effort to provide funding to states and local communities to preserve open space in urban and suburban communities.

Congressman McGovern strongly believes that BP - not the American taxpayer - is responsible for the long-term clean up of the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information concerning my work and views on Energy and Environmental issues, please contact me.

See also information on saving on gas and home energy expenses.

More on Energy and Environment

House Approves Bill to Establish National Park in the Blackstone River Valley

Dec 4, 2014

In a victory for Rhode Island families and advocates for environmental protection and historic preservation, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation to make the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Corridor a unit of the National Park System. U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) introduced the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Establishment Act along with co-sponsors Richard E. Neal (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), and James Langevin (D-RI) to preserve the natural and historical significance of important sites along the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Corridor. This legislation was also introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).

Lawmakers call on EPA to limit chemicals threatening bees

Oct 1, 2014

U.S. Rep James McGovern, who represents part of Franklin County in Congress, is among 60 House members who called on the federal Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday to take immediate steps to protect bees and other pollinators from the impacts of some pesticides.

Rep. McGovern touches base with constituents during visit

Jun 2, 2014

U.S. Rep. James “Jim” McGovern wants to take what Franklin County’s got and give it to the rest of the country. “What I love about the new part of my district is that, out here, people demonstrate how to do things right,” McGovern told a crowd of constituents gathered at Green Fields Market Saturday. His district, largely in Worcester County, grew to include Greenfield and 13 central and eastern Franklin County towns during last year’s federal redistricting. His words referred to the county’s commitment to sustainable living, support of local agriculture and enthusiasm for renewable energies.

Rep. McGovern's comments on the "fundamentally wrong...cruel" Ryan budget:

Apr 8, 2014

I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me the customary 30 minutes. I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks and I yield myself 8 minutes.

M. Speaker, budgets are moral documents. These annual documents are really statements of who we are as political parties and groups. They represent our values. They tell a story about what we believe in and how we would govern.

During record cold, Rep. McGovern joins Rep. Welch in urging President Obama to restore funding for LIHEAP

Jan 7, 2014

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) today joined Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and others in urging President Obama to restore funding for LIHEAP, the federal program that helps vulnerable Americans pay their energy bills. Citing a 30 percent decline in funding, the letter urges the President to fund the program in his upcoming budget proposal at no less than $4.7 billion.

Also signing the letter (below) are Reps. Peter King (R-NY), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chris Gibson (R-NY), and Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

Dear Mr. President,

Congressional Delegation, Patrick Administration Announce $1.27 Million in GrantsTo Fund Watershed Restoration Projects

Nov 8, 2013

Our natural water resources are among our most important – and our most threatened – assets,” said Congressman Jim McGovern.

McGovern Joins New England Delegation on Letter to EPA Opposing Changes to Clean Air Funding

Sep 18, 2013

All 20 of New England's Representatives in the U.S. House sent a letter to Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, expressing their concern that proposed funding changes to clean air programs would have a negative impact on the region.

U.S. Rep. McGovern joins Markey, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Calling on Obama to Increase Home Energy Assistance Funding in 2013 Budget Request

Jan 31, 2012

McGovern joins Markey, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Calling on Obama to Increase Home Energy Assistance Funding in 2013 Budget Request

103 lawmakers sign letter to President urging funding of $4.7 billion for LIHEAP; More than 200,000 MA families rely on life-saving program

U.S. Reps. McGovern, Markey, LaTourette, Larson, Welch Call For Immediate Release of Home Heating Funds

Oct 20, 2011

Reps. Markey, LaTourette, McGovern, Larson, Welch Call For Immediate Release of Home Heating Funds

With home heating fuel prices expected to rise this winter, bipartisan coalition of lawmakers sends letter to DHHS urging release of LIHEAP funding to help households prepare

U.S. Rep. McGovern leads 2011 Farm Tours and Roundtable

Sep 28, 2011

Joined by a range of federal and state officials, including USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern hosted his 2011 throughout the 3rd Congressional District on September 27th and 28th, visiting 8 local farms and conducting casual conversations and a roundtable discussion with area farmers to discuss issues of concern to the agriculture community.