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Environment

Western New Yorkers know too well the painful costs of pollution and other forms of environmental degradation and neglect. Over 30 years ago the Buffalo River was declared biologically dead and ecologically destroyed, and only through a persistent restoration effort was it remediated and shows vastly improved water quality. Brian believes that we must learn from this history to prevent the recurrence of environmental disasters like Love Canal and Tonawanda Coke in our district. His work in Washington, D.C. focuses on the conservation and care for the many precious natural resources here in Western New York. From the Great Lakes, to our waterways, to our parks and natural public spaces, Brian is fighting to ensure the federal policies enacted in Congress help to support a healthy environment and protect those most vulnerable to pollution and exposure to hazardous substances. To achieve these goals of preservation, Brian has been a strong supporter of federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Water Resources Development Act.

More on Environment

Dec 6, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a federal grant totaling $4.5 million awarded to the City of Buffalo by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Awarded through the National Coastal Resilience Fund, the grant will support shoreline resiliency and improve public waterfront access at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.

Nov 15, 2022 Press Release

Marking the one-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill being signed into law, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) highlighted some of the awards to date and the lasting impact the Law’s investments will have on Western New York. 

Sep 23, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) was joined by New York State Parks Niagara Region Director Mark Mistretta to announce $2.5 million in new federal funding for investments in Niagara Falls State Park. 

Aug 12, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives has approved the Inflation Reduction Act.  The bill, which already passed in the Senate, now moves to the President’s desk to become law. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Higgins played a key role in crafting the bill.

Aug 11, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), New York State Senator Sean Ryan, and New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad were joined by leaders from the Town of Tonawanda to announce a new $2.12 million trail project in the Town of Tonawanda. 

Jul 20, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of a package of federal funding bills investing in American families, communities, and economic growth.  The legislation (H.R. 8294) includes nearly $17.2 million requested by Higgins for Western New York projects.

Jul 11, 2022 Press Release

BUFFALO, NY –  Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and Congressman Brian Higgins debuted new Seabin™ technology at Buffalo Harbor State Park on Saturday in partnership with the bi-national Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) on behalf of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup and with NYS Parks. 

Apr 26, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives has approved the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act (HR5973), authorizing $6 million annually for the next five years for projects that support fish and wildlife conservation and restoration in the Great Lakes basin.  

Mar 10, 2022 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives has approved a funding package that will create jobs and invest in communities across the Western New York region and the nation.

Congressman Higgins fought for the following projects to be included in the bill, which total $8,165,000 for Western New York:

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