Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Since coming to Congress, I have been an outspoken supporter of policies that protect our environment. As my family will tell you, when I am home I can most often be found watching the National Geographic channel or Planet Earth DVDs. Preserving our public lands, protecting the quality of our air and water, and developing sustainably are vital to preserve our planet for grandchildren and their grandchildren.

Clean air

Since 1970, the Clean Air Act has reduced key air pollutants by 60%, while at the same time the economy grew by over 200%. Too often we take the very air we breathe for granted. We are responsible for the condition and quality of the air that we leave for our children and grandchildren who will inherit this world after us. I was proud to be one of over 89 Members of the House to sign a letter to House leadership asking them to protect the Clean Air Act, and will continue to support efforts to protect our air quality.

Clean Water

Clean water is a necessary resource used by all Americans. I believe that our country's waters should be protected for the wellbeing of Americans and our environment. Although they are out of sight and out of mind except when they spring a leak, water and sewer systems are more vital to civilized society than any other aspect of infrastructure. Our nation's water infrastructure is out of date and in urgent need of repair and replacement. It is estimated that on average, 25 percent of drinking water leaks from water system pipes before it reaches the faucet.

Green infrastructure can save money and improve our water infrastructure systems. Kansas City is ahead of the curve in incorporating green infrastructure into its water and sewer overflow control plan. That is why last Congress I cosponsored H.R. 2030, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act. H.R. 2030 would provide grants to develop green infrastructure centers of excellence to research and develop methods and best practices, provide training and technical assistance so that communities of all sizes and resources can incorporate green infrastructure.

Rural Water

More than 97 percent of the nation's 160,000 public water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people. These systems face unique challenges in providing affordable drinking water and wastewater services. Many of these systems lack financial resources, long-term planning activities, and the ability to attract qualified and certified operators. Investments in small system infrastructure ensure rural communities have the basic infrastructure to become sustainable and protect the rural economy and public health. Programs such as the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, the EPA Technical Assistance Competitive Grant Program and the Circuit Rider Program within the EPA and the Department of Agriculture provide training and technical assistance to rural communities to help them properly manage, operate, and maintain their water systems.

Livable Communities & the Green Impact Zone

Every community in America -- regardless of its size, geographic location, demographic composition, or economic base -- aspires to become a place where families are safe, enjoy personal and environmental health, can select from a range of housing and transportation choices, and have access to educational and economic opportunities. These are the building blocks of livable communities. I am proud of the work that is being done to make the Green Impact Zone, and Kansas City, livable communities. I support community efforts to promote this sustainable development and efforts in Congress to fund and expand federal programs, such as the Partnership for Sustainable Communities at Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Kansas City has benefited from several Partnership for Sustainable Communities grants, and I will continue to support funding for these programs in Congress. As a member of the Livable Communities Task Force, I have championed smart federal policies that can affect community livability through housing and transportation choices, enhancing economic competitiveness, and reinvest in existing communities.

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