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 – Last night, the President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, each made commitments to take aggressive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response:
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face, both for the United States and the world. Yesterday's announcement is a major milestone in the global effort to reverse the warming of our planet.
Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act (VSIA). In light of the numerous failures of the GM recall and other issues with auto manufacturers, this legislation will establish several new important consumer protections to improve driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety. Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Rep. Diana DeGette, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, and Rep. Paul D. Tonko signed on as original cosponsors of the legislation. Please see the below video message from Rep. Schakowsky on the VSIA.
Rep. Schakowsky on Her Legislation to Protect American Drivers
A new bipartisan report released yesterday, The Risky Business Project, paints a picture of the economic impacts for our country and American businesses if we fail to act on climate change. The report – co-chaired by former Bush Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer – shows that “over time, [weather] extremes will become the ‘new normal,’” decimating thousands of miles of coastline, our agricultural sector, and industries from construction to tourism. Rep.
Chicago, IL – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a new proposed rule that would require significant emissions reductions from existing power plants. Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement in response to the announcement:
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Schakowsky issued the following statement on the third United States National Climate Assessment, which was released this morning by the Obama Administration:
The third National Climate Assessment – the product of four years of work by the country’s leading scientists and technical experts – is the most comprehensive analysis yet of our changing climate and the risks it poses to human health and the environment. It is both informative and alarming.
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Schakowsky issued the following statement in recognition of Earth Day:
Earth Day is a reminder to think about the importance and value of the natural environment around us, but it is also a day when we commit to action. Today, more than ever before, we need to recognize the opportunity that we have to protect our planet from the growing threat of climate change and promote alternative energy sources that will drive our economy into the future.
Yesterday, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers proposed a new rule to protect the waters of the United States. The rule would make clear that the EPA and the Army Corps have the authority and responsibility to protect smaller bodies of water from harmful pollution – an authority which had come into question due to recent interpretations of Supreme Court rulings. U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Luis Gutiérrez (IL-04), and Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on the proposed rule:
Today, BP announced an oil spill from its Whiting Refinery has contaminated Lake Michigan. State and federal authorities are still working to assess and contain the damage. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the news:
“I am incredibly concerned about the news of the Whiting tar sands oil spill and its possible impact on Lake Michigan, my constituents, and millions of other Chicagoans. Lake Michigan supplies drinking water for seven million Chicagoans, and it provides summer entertainment for swimmers, boaters, and beach goers. It is a truly irreplaceable resource, and the recent spill could jeopardize public health and the environment.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Rush Holt (NJ-12) and two dozen of their colleagues sent a letter urging Secretary of State John Kerry to oppose the Keystone XL pipeline, arguing that approval of the pipeline is not in the national interest and would be extremely detrimental to the climate.
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act:
“Today I voted against passage of H.R. 3826, a bill that would prevent the EPA from meaningfully regulating pollution from power plants – the country’s single biggest emitter of carbon pollution. At a time when sea levels are rapidly rising and severe drought, wildfires, and hurricanes are happening with increasing frequency around the country, we owe it to future generations to take strong action against climate change.