Issue Position: The Environment

Issue Position

"We have a responsibility to preserve and protect our environment for future generations. Clean air, clean water, land management, species protection - all are crucial. I also believe that environmental activism must also include our urban areas - children who grow up in cities deserve green spaces, too." - Jim McGovern

Jim's Vision:

Jim supports a comprehensive energy policy that makes us less dependent on foreign oil, protects our precious natural resources and encourages research and development of alternative, renewable forms of energy. He strongly opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of America's last great wilderness areas.

He believes that communities need more federal help in cleaning up "brownfields" and other contaminated sites - not only for improved health and safety, but also for economic development. And he will continue to fight to preserve and protect our precious National Parks and other open spaces.

Jim's Record:

* Jim McGovern led the fight to protect open space. Jim authored the bipartisan amendment that restored funding for the state-side grant program of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The state-side program provides funding for open space and recreation projects. The amendment was opposed by the Republican leadership, but it passed by a vote of 213-202 and restored $30 million to the program - a program which had gone unfunded for several years. Dozens of parcels in Massachusetts have since been protected.

* Jim McGovern has fought for clean water and lower water and sewer bills. Alongside Congressman Barney Frank, Jim has worked successfully to provide relief for rate-payers in southeastern Massachusetts and to safeguard communities' health by helping southeastern Massachusetts develop clean water infrastructures. Together, they have secured millions of dollars for the ongoing clean water combined sewer overflow (CSO) needs of Fall River and New Bedford. In addition, Cong. McGovern took a leadership role to extend the pay-back period from 20 years to 30 years for Massachusetts municipalities for loans made under the federal clean water state-revolving-fund (SRF) program. This change makes it more affordable for communities to develop modern clean water infrastructures, ensuring Clean Water Act compliance.

* Jim McGovern has fought to preserve ancient fossils for future generations. Jim is the lead sponsor of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. The theft and misuse of dinosaur fossils and other ancient resources is a growing problem, especially on our public lands. These resources belong to all of us, and they belong in museums and other places of study and learning. Jim's bill would help the National Park Service address this issue.

* Jim has won the respect of the environmental community. He has consistently received a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters, and has been endorsed by the Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, and other groups.

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