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On the Issues: Environment

My record for protecting and preserving the environment is among the strongest in the Florida Congressional delegation, and ensuring that we protect our natural resources for future generations is a major priority of mine.  I am extremely proud that the Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and the League of Conservation Voters gave me the highest marks of the Florida Congressional Delegation for key environmental votes taken in the previous Congress.

The most important environmental challenge we face worldwide is curbing global warming.  Changing climate conditions present a very real threat to our ecosystem, our economy, and even human health.  Despite the Bush Administration's lack of interest in meaningfully addressing climate change, I believe that Congress has a responsibility to advance the research and development of alternative fuels that will curb global warming, protect our environment, and bolster our economy. 

In the effort to combat global warming, I am cosponsoring the Climate Stewardship Act (H.R. 620), which will serve to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions through a market driven policy of tradable allowances.  The Safe Climate Act (H.R. 1590) establishes national standards for the use of clean, renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency, and clean cars.  I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, as well as the Fuel Economy Reform Act (H.R. 1506), which increases average fuel economy standards for automobiles.

As a member of the House Oceans Caucus and the Congressional Coastal Caucus, I am deeply concerned with the health of our oceans.  Climate change, pollution, and unwise land use and coastal development have caused dramatic declines in the health of United States coastal and marine ecosystems.  In support of the effort to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act (H.R. 2421).  I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 21, which will establish a comprehensive national oceans policy regarding all actions that may significantly affect ocean waters and resources.  Additionally, I am a cosponsor of the Clean Water Protection Act (H.R. 2169), which will prevent the disposal of waste material from destructive practices such as mountaintop removal coal mining into streams. 

Because of the critical need to protect our communities from toxic chemicals, I signed on as an original cosponsor of the Toxic Right-to-Know Protection Act (H.R. 1055). This bill has encouraged companies to clean up their act by reducing toxic releases and ensures that communities are aware of what harmful chemicals may be released into the environment. 

Additionally, I recently supported the Andrews/Chabot amendment to the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies FY08 Appropriations Act to prohibit the use of funds in the bill to plan, design, study, or build roads in the Tongass National Forest, in Alaska, for harvesting timber. 

These important pieces of legislation are vital in the struggle against climate change, threats to our nations’ oceans, and environmental degradation.