Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Our nation's natural resources and open spaces must be preserved for current and future generations. No Rhode Islander can live in our great state without developing an appreciation for nature, and we are particularly fortunate to have access to the Narragansett Bay, beaches, parks and forests, and other impressive natural areas. In the tradition of environmental respect with which Rhode Islanders are raised, I have been working in Congress to protect natural resources so that all Americans may benefit.

Improve the quality of our air

No American should have to breathe polluted air. In order to reduce the levels of harmful emissions contributing to air pollution, I have supported legislation to require old fossil fuel-fired power plants to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. Furthermore, I am a cosponsor of legislation that would require 20% of our nation's electricity to come from renewable sources in twenty years.

Address global climate change

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, leading to global warming. Rising sea levels could endanger the Rhode Islanders living along our 400 miles of coastline, while beach erosion would make our communities more prone to flooding and harm our tourism-based economy. Also, the related destruction of wetlands would eradicate wildlife habitat - particularly for migratory birds - and reduce the natural buffer against storm surges. Congress needs to take immediate action to address this problem. I was an original cosponsor of the American Clean Energy Security Act, which would freeze global warming emissions from the U.S. starting in 2010 and aggressively reduce them in subsequent years to reach a goal of 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.For more information about what you can do to help, click here.

Keep our water safe and clean

To keep the Narragansett Bay open for fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational and commercial purposes, I have urged increased funding for combined sewer overflow programs, which would help Rhode Island prevent wastewater discharge into the Bay during heavy rains. I was proud to vote for several bills that would expand funding for state clean water programs and initiatives. Additionally, I have fought the Bush Administration's efforts to remove wetlands from protection under the Clean Water Act. I am a cosponsor of the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act, which would ensure that federal safeguards continue to apply to wetlands, as originally intended by Congress when it passed the Clean Water Act in 1977.

Conserve our public lands and resources

To prevent our natural habitats from being spoiled due to production and development, I oppose oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This environmentally sensitive area could be irreparably harmed by drilling, and I feel that we should explore other options for increased energy production. Furthermore, I support full funding for programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has helped preserve many sites of environmental, cultural and historic value in Rhode Island.

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