Protecting Our Environment

Energy and the Environment
President Trump’s Decision to Withdraw the U.S. From the Paris Climate Agreement Makes America Less Safe, and puts our environment, economy, and public health at risk.

Democrats strongly believe in our responsibility to serve as stewards of our environment and public lands for current and future generations. Instead of working with Democrats, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have focused relentlessly on rolling back environmental and public health protections, shutting down public lands, and allowing the inhumane killing of animals on wildlife refuges. In addition, the President withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accords, abdicating American leadership and undermining our national security and America’s credibility. Already, countries like China are stepping up to replace American leadership on climate change.

Despite President Trump’s misguided decision, Democrats remain committed to protecting our planet for future generations. The Democratic Majority has led dozens of hearings on the climate crisis and has passed H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, which prohibits any federal funds from being used to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, ensuring America honors its Paris Agreement commitments, and laying the groundwork for further action.

The Democratic Majority is also committed to protecting our public lands. After months of negotiations between both parties in both chambers, a bipartisan conservation and public lands package was enacted that includes a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

House Democrats will continue to advance legislation to address climate change; invest in our nation’s clean energy future while spurring job creation and economic growth; and protect public lands and the environment for generations to come.

Energy and the Environment Related

“I thank the Gentleman from Colorado for yielding. I thank my colleagues from Florida for being on the Floor. 

2/11/14

“This is not a perfect bill, and I am disappointed that it cuts food assistance that is critical for millions of Americans who are at risk of hunger.  

1/29/14

“Madam Speaker, this bill and the other two House bills we will consider this week were put forward, in my opinion, to fill time. Yes, they are unifying issues on the Republican side of the aisle, Madam Speaker, but they're not pressing. Even if they were good policy, they're not pressing.

11/19/13

“One year ago today, Hurricane Sandy struck the Atlantic coast with devastating effects: causing billions of dollars worth of damage, destroying homes and businesses, and leaving millions of people without power.  Dozens of people were killed across several states, and I join in remembering their tragic deaths today.   

10/29/13

“Today’s announcement by Interior Secretary Jewell of $162 million in funding to help coastal communities rebuild natural barriers damaged in Hurricane Sandy demonstrates the Obama Administration’s continued commitment to help those affected by the storm.

10/24/13

“Mr. Speaker, this is how we ought to work. This is how the Congress ought to work with one another – all 435 of us. I don't mean that 435 are going to vote for the bill, but we have worked together on this bill.  

10/23/13

As the Republican government shutdown wears on, the impacts continue to be felt across the country, harming a wide range of industries:

New York Times: Without Services, Small Businesses Feel the Pinch

10/10/13

Just wanted to point out that, as Tropical Storm Karen makes its way toward the Gulf Coast, the bill on the Floor today (which leaves the government shut down) doesn’t address a wide range of agencies that respond to major storms, including:

10/4/13

“Once again, Republicans have succeeded at taking a bad bill and making it worse.  I am very disappointed by reports that Republican leaders are planning to seek a $40 billion cut to nutrition assistance that helps the most vulnerable in our communities stave off hunger and poverty.  

8/1/13

“I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed Gina McCarthy as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with a bipartisan vote of 59-40.  In her more than twenty-five years of service to the people of this country, Ms. McCarthy has worked at both the state and federal levels developing and implementing policies aimed at protecting the environment while encouraging economic growth and greater energy efficiency.

7/18/13

“This side of the aisle believes the passage of the farm bill is very, very important. It's important for our agricultural interests, for our farmers. We believe it's very important for those who are relying on nutritional programs and support from us.”

7/11/13

The fiscal year 2014 Energy and Water Appropriations bill that Republicans brought to the Floor this week takes the wrong approach to budgeting and slashes critical energy and water infrastructure investments, which is why I am opposing it.

7/10/13

“Today, as I stood with the families of the nineteen fallen firefighters in Prescott Valley, Arizona, I joined in remembering their dedication, their courage, and their sacrifice as they fought to save their community from one of the region’s most devastating wildfires.

7/9/13

First week back from the 4th of July district work period, and what are Republicans doing?

7/8/13

And predictably, House Republicans learn exactly the wrong lesson from their Farm bill failure.

As POLITICO explains:

6/27/13

“As Americans have witnessed the increasing frequency of deadly storms like Hurricane Sandy and the stifling heat that has led to devastating droughts, there can be no denying the impact of climate change on our environment, our economy, and our national security. 

6/25/13

“On Earth Day, let us redouble our efforts to make sure our children and grandchildren inherit a healthy environment and can enjoy the natural wonders that have always fueled the American spirit and imagination.

4/22/13

"Today, with a strong, bipartisan vote of 62-36, the Senate joined the House in helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Though I hoped Congress would have acted earlier, the passage of this legislation, now headed to the President for his signature, will provide much-needed assistance to the communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states hit hard by the storm.  Residents of these areas face significant ongoing challenges and are struggling to rebuild.  I look forward to seeing this bill signed swiftly into law."

1/28/13
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill providing comprehensive aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.  While this relief should have been passed before the end of the last Congress, I am glad that the people in the Northeast most affected by this natural disaster will be able to receive the much needed tools and support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities.

1/18/13

I join in thanking Secretary Ken Salazar for his service and leadership over the past four years.  Under his stewardship, the Department of the Interior made enormous progress in the areas of natural resources conservation, federal land use management, and expanding opportunities for Native Americans.  I was proud to have worked closely with him as Congress and the Administration completed work on the Cobell settlement to see justice served for Native American tribes whose trust assets were improperly managed.  I also had the pleasure of working with Ken in 2009 to pass the most significant land conservation legislation in fifteen years, which set aside 2 million new acres of wilderness, established three new national parks, protected 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and designated the Baltimore Heritage Area in my home state of Maryland.  Ken has been a faithful public servant and a voice for America’s rural communities, and I wish him well in his next endeavors.

1/16/13

“I thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the Ranking Member, Mrs. Lowey, and I thank Mr. Rogers for his work as well bringing this bill to the Floor. I rise not only in support of the Chairman's mark at $17 billion, but also for the Frelinghuysen amendment. I think both of these together meet our responsibilities in responding to one of the most historic and damaging storms to hit the country. Not only the Northeast but to the country.

1/15/13
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP

Earlier this week, Democrats and Republicans reached a bipartisan agreement that extended middle class tax cuts and delayed the arbitrary spending cuts which were scheduled for early January. Our work, however, to restore our nation's fiscal stability is not over. I hope the same spirit of compromise will continue as we negotiate a big, bold and bipartisan agreement to put our country’s economy on a long-term, fiscally sustainable path later this year.

1/4/13