Energy and Environment
Investing in alternative sources of energy is critical to our nation’s economic recovery, national security, global competitiveness, and the future of our planet.
As a Member of House Committee on Homeland Security, I understand that our energy independence is directly correlated to our nation’s safety. Our dependence on foreign oil leaves us vulnerable to the geopolitical instability that exists in some oil producing regions. This instability leads to higher prices at the pump and increases the financial burden on families that are already hurting from the economic downturn. Upon my arrival in Congress, one of my first acts was to co-sponsor and support legislation that addressed fuel-efficiency standards, our dependence on foreign oil and the transition to alternative fuel sources.
Our increased investment in alternative sources of energy will spur job creation as companies research, develop, and market the clean energy products of the future. Small businesses, which bring new technologies to market faster than their large competitors, will be at the forefront of this green energy movement. As the engines of our economic growth, the jobs that small businesses create will help lead us out of this economic downturn and return us to the path to prosperity.
The extraction and consumption of fossil fuels has harmful effects on our environment, causes air-pollution, and contaminates our waterways. In Congress, I have supported legislation that protects our country’s rivers and streams, holds industrial polluters accountable, and invests in the restoration of contaminated sites.
In Congress, I will continue to work with my colleagues to develop a comprehensive 21st century alternative energy policy that protects our environment, stimulates our economy, and reduces our dependence on 20th century energy sources.
More on Energy and Environment
Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement to remind businesses, non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to submit a Small Business Administration disaster loan application for losses resulting from Hurricane Sandy by the December 1, 2016 deadline.
Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on her opposition to attempts by Republicans to undermine regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce carbon emissions that threaten our health and contribute to global climate change.
"As the world prepares for climate talks Monday in Paris, any effort to prevent global climate change and limit fossil fuel consumption – efforts the public overwhelmingly supports, according to Pew polling this month – must account for the disproportionate harm to developing nations and to disadvantaged communities in the United States.
Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services that New York State residents will receive $326 million from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, more than any other state. The program allows families to pay for heat and electricity in the winter.