Environment

As a Member of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, enacting policies that assist us in our ongoing fight against climate change, and working to protect our air, water, lands, oceans, and wildlife, has been, and will continue to remain, a priority of mine. Throughout America's history, we have often been presented the challenge of protecting and preserving the environment while maintaining growth and responsible industrial progress.  I believe that today, we can do both.  

During the 113th Congress, a great deal of the debate has continued around environmental regulations.  In September 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first ever carbon pollution standards from new power plants. Currently there are no limits to the amount of carbon pollution that power plants can emit. I support these new standards, which reflect ongoing trends in the power sector to build cleaner plants and use American made clean energy technologies.

I am also a strong proponent for sensible conservation efforts that would protect our diverse environmental legacy.  From our vast oceans to our precious national parks, all aspects of our environment must be considered.  We must not only protect these lands for the wildlife that inhabit them, but also for the clean water and natural resources we rely on.  We were reminded of the importance of this issue when the BP Oil spill created the worst environmental tragedy in the history of this country.  

I will continue working to uphold environmental regulations, protect wildlife sanctuaries, and to improve the quality of our air and water.