Issue Position: Environment and Energy

Issue Position

Issue Position: Environment and Energy

From the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains in Western Maryland, our State has one of the most varied environments in the nation. I am proud of my strong and consistent efforts to protect this treasured resource. The federal government has an essential role to play in protecting both our nation's and the global environment working through education and incentive programs, strong and effective regulatory action, and international leadership. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I will continue to pursue these goals.

Global warming is a serious problem that immediately threatens Maryland's shore areas. I have cosponsored the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, S. 309 because it is critical that we develop policies that achieve energy independence and reverse global warming. In the 109th Congress, I introduced legislation with rigorous steps to reach these goals. This year I successfully offered an amendment to the CLEAN Energy Act, H.R. 6, passed by the Senate, which will create a bipartisan National Commission on Energy Independence. Independence from foreign energy sources is critical to our national security and to ensure that rising energy costs do not threaten our economy. The Commission would monitor our nation's progress towards energy independence and make adjustments to ensure that 90% of all U.S. energy needs are met by domestic sources. H.R. 6 also includes an increase in the CAFE fuel economy standards for vehicles and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon.

The federal government is the single largest energy consumer in the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, buildings account for a third of America's energy consumption. I have introduced the American Green Building Act, S. 1165, which would require all new federal buildings to abide by Leadership and Energy in Environmental Design (LEED) silver standards.

I have long supported programs that celebrate the natural beauty as well as the culture and history of Maryland and the nation. I am proud to champion the Chesapeake Bay program, which helps to restore and protect America's largest estuary. State wildlife grants, provided through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are used to protect wildlife and their habitats. The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides matching federal funds to states and local governments for public recreation areas and facilities. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act funds conservation projects that protect wetland habitats. From the Western Maryland Appalachian Forest Heritage Area to the sandy beaches of Assateague National Seashore, I am working to protect the natural beauty and cultural richness of Maryland.

As the nation's population grows, more and more untouched areas are subject to human-related pollution and sprawl. I believe the federal government has a responsibility through its management and acquisition of public lands to be a steward of our environment for future generations. The Bush Administration has relaxed environmental safeguards and attempted to sell off public lands. I oppose such efforts. We must work to ensure the greatest possible diversity of natural and healthy ecosystems for current and future generations.

To achieve these goals I have been working on a range of management issues, from protecting coastal waters from offshore oil drilling to preserving the Alaska's pristine Bristol Bay and Utah's magnificent Redrock Wilderness. In addition, I am working to increase funding for our National Park System including the new Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, as well as to secure approval for a new Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail that will commemorate America's struggles in the War of 1812 including the critical battle at Fort McHenry.

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