Congressman Mark Pocan

Representing the 2nd District of Wisconsin
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Energy and Environment

At a time when we face high energy and gas prices and see the effects of global climate change in our daily lives, I believe that making the country more energy efficient will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also will position the U.S. to thrive in a twenty-first century economy. As a member of the Safe Climate Caucus, I am committed to preserving our environment through investments in clean energy capabilities. I subscribe to the notion that if we make investments in the short term, we can ultimately make our energy use more efficient in the long term. My goal is to modernize our energy technology through research and development of new technologies so that we can continue to create and manufacture goods while reducing harmful pollution and saving consumers money.

By reducing our carbon footprint, we also help preserve Wisconsin’s treasured natural resources. The Second District is filled with beautiful state parks such as Devil’s Lake in Sauk County, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum and the Ice Age Trail in Dane County. In addition, Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, streams and natural prairie land have vital economic and cultural importance. I am dedicated to preserving our natural habitats and keeping our lakes and waterways clean so that future generations can continue to enjoy these landscapes.

Here is some information on saving on gas and home energy expenses.

More on Energy and Environment

Oct 9, 2015 Press Release

Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), along with 43 House Democrats, sent a letter to President Obama expressing concerns about the potential conflict between free trade rules and the urgency to address climate change. In the letter, the Members urge the Administration to refrain from adopting trade rules, including those in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which empower foreign investors to challenge state and federal environmental protections.

Aug 4, 2015 Event

I invite you to a town hall on fracking and other environmental issues, Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Union South in Madison. Recent evidence shows that fracking threatens our air, water and public health. I introduced the Protect Our Public Lands Act, H.R. 1902 in April 2015, which prohibits fracking for the extraction of oil and gas on public lands. Join me to discuss what we can do to protect our public lands for future generations. 

Aug 3, 2015 Press Release

Washington, D.C - U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a member of the Safe Climate Caucus, released the following statement applauding President Obama’s historic Clean Power Plan to help combat global climate change:

Jun 17, 2015 Press Release

Washington, D.C - Yesterday, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) made public a letter from U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman in which Ambassador Froman eased Republicans’ concerns that efforts to combat global climate change would not be included in the TPP. This runs counter to previous statements made by the USTR to Congressional Democrats and environmental groups. Rep. Pocan is calling on USTR Froman to clarify whether the agreement includes provision requiring certain standards.

Apr 22, 2015 Press Release

Washington, D.C. On Earth Day, U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), members of the Safe Climate Caucus, introduced the Protect Our Public Lands Act, H.R. 1902. The legislation is the strongest anti-fracking bill introduced in Congress to date and would ban fracking on public lands.

Apr 22, 2014 Press Release

MADISON, WI—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today issued the following statement in celebration of Earth Day, which was founded by former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson:

Jul 23, 2013 Press Release

WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today introduced an amendment to the Department of Defense funding bill to make key investments in clean energy technologies that are critical to current and future military missions. Pocan’s efforts would support research and development to improve the safety of advanced batteries, and specifically lithium ion batteries, required for many of the Navy’s new capabilities. Lithium ion batteries, which contain no toxic chemicals, have up to three times the performance capabilities of other battery products.

Apr 22, 2013 Press Release

MADISON, WI—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today issued the following statement in celebration of Earth Day, which was founded by former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson: