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
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:
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.
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to EPA’s announcement that it has finalized its Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Program.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the State Department’s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement:
“The State Department’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement significantly underestimates the emissions and climate impacts of the pipeline, mistakenly assuming that without Keystone XL, the Alberta Tar Sands would be produced at the same rate.
Today, Rep. Schakowsky and 41 other members of Congress – including Reps. Henry Waxman and John Dingell – sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy urging a final rule on the agency’s Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards program. The rule would reduce tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles. The proposed rule, which was published last May, would dramatically improve public health and the environment. Schakowsky made the following statement about the letter:
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 16, 2012) — Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement today in response to the settlement reached between BP and the U.S. government after the Deepwater Horizon disaster:
"Yesterday, BP agreed to plead guilty to 12 felony charges in connection with the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. While nothing can adequately fill the void left by the men who lost their lives, I hope this settlement at least brings their families a sense of justice....
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 2012) — Today Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) sent a letter to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging the adoption of a strong soot pollution standard to protect public health and the environment.
Washington, D.C. (September 7, 2012) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement today in recognition of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which was amended for the first time since 1987: