Energy & the Environment
Congressman Tierney believes that renewable, diverse energy sources and a sound, safe environment are essential to this country’s economic recovery and its future prosperity.
Affordable energy is necessary to a prosperous economy. Paying $60, $70, $80 at the gas pump is too much for our families. The Congressman believes that what is needed is a concerted effort to curb anti-consumer practices and rampant oil price speculation by Wall Street traders. Throughout his time in Congress, he has supported efforts to enact new fuel efficiency standards and combat market manipulation that inflates oil prices. He also believes that companies should be expected to exploit those leased acres that they already have, and in that way expand supply.
Congressman Tierney has called for an end to costly and wasteful subsidies for big oil companies.
Congressman Tierney believes that the only way to ensure an abundant, affordable energy economy is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and diversify our energy supply. Americans continue to spend an estimated $700 billion on energy, about half of which is imported, and much of which goes to regimes that are hostile to U.S. interests. However, even if it were possible to use only domestically-produced oil, the price of oil is set by global markets, and will always be dependent on factors far beyond our control. Congressman Tierney believes that, with the continued uncertainty surrounding the Middle East and North Africa, now is the time to continue to robustly invest in alternatives to oil and secure our energy independence.
The military, too, understands the urgency of energy independence and finding alternative fuel sources. For every dollar the Department of Defense spends on fuel, it spends as much as $400 transporting that fuel to fighting bases in Afghanistan. For every 24 caravans carrying fuel to bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, one soldier or civilian involved in the caravan is killed. Those are among the reason why, by 2020, the Navy has the goal of meeting half of its energy needs for ships and planes with renewable-energy sources.
Green Jobs of Today and Tomorrow
Congressman Tierney believes the creation of a clean energy economy presents an opportunity to create millions of new American jobs. Clean energy can provide an engine to drive the nation out of recession and sustain our economy for years to come. As the only member of the Education and the Workforce Committee from Massachusetts, he continues to fight for affordable education and training opportunities to ensure that the United States has a well-trained and prepared workforce for the green jobs that will be instrumental in the future of this country's economy.
Congressman Tierney is continuing his fight in Congress to further support green jobs. He has met with small businesses, labor organizations, and community groups across the Sixth District to share ideas on how stakeholders can collaborate to jumpstart its green economy.
Congressman Tierney and his former colleague and former Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, co-authored the Green Jobs Act. This bill, which is now law, is the first coherent strategy in the U.S. to address the growing labor demand in the clean energy sector while also helping those who are struggling to find sustainable employment. The Green Jobs Act taps into a collective national hope for increased opportunity which results from investing in our clean energy economy.
Protecting the Environment and Addressing Climate Change
Congressman Tierney has long championed policies that protect the environment. The United States can grow businesses and create jobs while still maintaining sensible protections that safeguard our nation's health and natural environment.
Congressman Tierney believes that it is our obligation to do all we can to see that we pass along a sound environment to future generations. That is why he voted for legislation, passed by a Democrat-led Congress, that renews the federal commitment to preserving the Essex National Heritage Area, which includes communities in the Sixth Congressional District, creates two million new acres of wilderness across nine states, establishes three new national park units, designates 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and designates a National Monument and three National Conservation Areas across the country.
In addition, an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence makes clear that human activities are resulting in global climate change. These environmental effects are a danger to our environment and to our health and the health of our children. Congressman Tierney believes that urgent action is needed to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. That’s why he has consistently supported responsible measures that reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
Congressman Tierney is committed to the protection of all animals from undue harm and abuse. Throughout his time in Congress, and as a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, he has worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end the abuse and inhumane treatment of animals, as well as to advocate for increased protection for commercial, farm, and wild animals.
Congressman Tierney is pleased to support several pieces of legislation in the 113th Congress that would, among other things, close loopholes in the Animal Welfare Act that allow commercial breeders to escape licensing, prohibit invasive research on great apes, and ensure the conservation of habitats of endangered species. Additionally, Congressman Tierney was honored to receive a perfect score on the Humane Society Legislative Fund's Humane Scorecard for the 113th Congress.