Issue Position: Preserving Our Natural Environment

Issue Position

Our coastline and natural environment are renowned. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve our unique communities, scenic views and open spaces along the Central Coast. I have worked tirelessly to bring Democrats and Republicans together to ensure our open spaces are conserved for future generations to enjoy.

I am proud to have served on President Obama's task force on climate change where we worked to create sustainable climate solutions for states and localities. I led efforts locally to tackle carbon pollution and combat climate change. In the U.S. House, I have continued my fight to protect our planet by introducing and passing a bill to ban future offshore oil drilling off of California's coast; working to preserve our environment, maintain our waters, and designate parts of Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument as protected wilderness; pushing back against this administration's attempts to roll back climate protections; and bringing forward plans to help our coastal communities remain resilient and well-equipped in the face of climate change.

I will continue saying no to new offshore drilling and keep us moving toward cleaner energy solutions that help create new jobs, like we did with solar power facilities in the Cuyama Valley and on the Carrizo Plain. We must do more to bring wind and biofuel initiatives to market, and encourage more efforts for residents to retrofit their homes so they are more energy-efficient and cost-effective for consumers.

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