Energy & Environment
Today, our nation faces unprecedented environmental and energy challenges. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am committed to promoting sustainable and renewable clean energy development, achieving energy independence through use of sustainable 21st-century technologies and increasing energy efficiency. I am also a strong environmentalist and believe we have a special responsibility to protect natural resources and species, national parks and wilderness areas and the future of our planet.
Having lived near Lake Michigan for my entire life, I have a particular interest in Great Lakes protection. I am working hard to promote clean air and clean water, prevent global warming, and prevent toxic emissions that threaten public health. More than any other issue, our approach to the environment will determine the health, well-being, and security of the American people and determine our ability to compete in the 21st century economy.
More on Energy & Environment
CHICAGO – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced a final rule clarifying “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. The rule includes protections for sources of drinking and recreational water, including streams and wetlands that are upstream from larger bodies of water. Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement in response to the rule:
CHICAGO – On May 22, the United States Senate passed legislation providing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or "fast track" for trade bills – not just to the current President but to whomever next sits in the White House. A vote on the bill is expected in the House in the coming weeks. Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement:
This is a critical week in Congress, with the Senate and likely the House poised to take up Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), a bill to provide "fast track" authority - not just to the current President but to whomever next sits in the White House.
CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday:
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who were killed, injured, left homeless or lost loved ones as a result of the horrific earthquake in Nepal. Whenever these natural disasters strike, we are reminded that we are a global community and we must stand with each other in times of great need. The United States stands ready to help with aid and other resources as the people of Nepal and the region recover.
WASHINGTON, DC -- On Earth Day, U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), members of the Safe Climate Caucus, introduced the Protect Our Public Lands Act, H.R. 1902. The legislation is the strongest anti-fracking bill introduced in Congress to date and would ban fracking on public lands.
CHICAGO – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority legislation in the House on Thursday:
“Like many other Members of Congress, I have been outspoken about my many concerns with Trade Promotion Authority (also known as “Fast Track”) and the need for significant reform to the way our nation approaches free trade agreements. Unfortunately, the Hatch-Wyden-Ryan Trade Promotion Authority Bill is more of the same. This legislation would all but ensure the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) without significant Congressional oversight.
WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced the Safe Hydration is an American Right in Energy Development (SHARED) Act. Part of the “Frack Pack” of bills to improve safeguards against the dangers of hydraulic fracturing, the legislation would require testing and reporting of water contamination near hydraulic fracturing sites. The SHARED Act is supported by a number of the nation’s leading public health and environmental organizations, including Clean Air Task Force, Clean Water Action, Earthjustice, Earthworks, Environment America, Food and Water Watch, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and WildEarth Guardians. Rep.
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, President Barack Obama vetoed S. 1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response:
“I strongly support the President’s decision to veto the Keystone XL approval bill. The President has the authority to make the ultimate decision on Keystone XL, and I am confident that when all the facts are considered, he will reject it outright. In the meantime, Congress has no authority to force the pipeline's approval, and it's time for Republicans pull their heads out of the tar sands.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr., Commerce Manufacturing & Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky, and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette sent a letter to Chairmen Fred Upton, Michael Burgess, and Tim Murphy requesting hearings on the rise in subprime auto loans to low-income consumers.
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, the House passed H.R. 3, legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, by a vote of 266 -153. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the bill’s passage:
“Today, I voted against H.R. 3, the Keystone XL approval bill. I did so because the pipeline would threaten public health and the environment while having no beneficial impact on energy security or consumer costs.