Congressman Sarbanes shares the same passion for the environment as the people of Maryland’s Third Congressional District, who have a strong history of environmental advocacy for, and stewardship of, the Chesapeake Bay. Marylanders know that preserving and protecting our environment can go hand in hand with spurring economic growth. Congressman Sarbanes is dedicated to addressing the many environmental challenges facing our nation, including by addressing climate change, restoring and protecting clean air and water, finding alternatives to the finite supply of fossil fuels and supporting environmental justice efforts.

Protecting the Bay

As a leader of the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, Congressman Sarbanes consistently works to raise awareness among his colleagues in Congress about the importance of protecting the Bay. Through the Task Force, Congressman Sarbanes has secured vital funding to protect this national environmental treasure as it connects communities and powers the regional economy.

• Supporting Restoration: Congressman Sarbanes is fighting to provide adequate resources for federal agencies that have a hand in Bay restoration efforts, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Park Service (NPS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) and others. His leadership has led to record funding levels for Chesapeake Bay programs that facilitate conservation, restoration and recreation throughout the Bay watershed. He has also led the effort to re-authorize NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, which coordinates restoration efforts, fisheries management, habitat protection and scientific research in the Bay.
   
• Environmental Stewardship: Congressman Sarbanes’ environmental efforts have also focused on empowering citizens to be everyday environmental stewards. He is the author of the No Child Left Inside Act, which aims to provide meaningful outdoor education experiences to students across the country, empowering and inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. In 2015, a provision of the No Child Left Inside Act was signed into law as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Since then, educators have been able to access federal grants for environmental education programs, including for education and engagement in the Chesapeake region, and Congressman Sarbanes is working to expand and build on the program’s success. He continues to advocate for robust resources to help schools and teachers integrate environmental education and field experiences into their core academic programs.
   
• Reducing Pollution: With a particular focus on improving the health of Bay tributaries, Congressman Sarbanes leads Members who represent parts of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in advancing discussions about how the pollution originating from streams or rivers in their districts flow into the Bay and how their states can collaborate with others in the region to address this. Congressman Sarbanes strongly supports the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay “pollution diet,” which sets limits on runoff from states in the Bay watershed.

Addressing Climate Change

As a proud member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee – and its Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, which has jurisdiction over all matters related to soil, air and water contamination – Congressman Sarbanes believes that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our day. Science shows that climate change is a real threat to human health and our environment and working to address it will ensure a greener, healthier future for all Americans. Congressman Sarbanes was proud to vote for the historic climate investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, which will allow our nation to cut its emissions by nearly 40% by 2030, and remains committed to meeting our climate challenge to address our economic, national security, equity and environmental policy priorities in one fell swoop.

• Big Money in Polluting Our Environment: Big money politics is polluting our democracy and our environment. Congressman Sarbanes is working to combat the influence of wealthy and well-connected special interests, like the oil and gas industry, by elevating the voice of the American people in Congress. He has demanded accountability from fossil fuel companies and advanced policies that would loosen the grip of big money in politics and bring about reforms that fight climate change and lower costs for families.
   
• Clean Energy: Congressman Sarbanes believes that clean energy technologies, such as solar energy, offer our world a way to drastically curb carbon emissions while increasing energy savings to American families. He has been a strong supporter of helping level the playing field for renewable energy development through measures like tax credits and research funding. It is vital that America stays at the forefront of a dynamic energy industry, developing clean energy technology and good-paying jobs that will spur tremendous growth and offer long-term relief to the American economy. Clean energy innovation can help diversify our energy portfolio, maintain our nation’s competitive advantage, end our dependence on energy sources from volatile parts of the world and ensure a prosperous future for our children.
   

• Environmental Justice: Low-income communities, communities of color and Tribal communities have historically borne the brunt of pollution and other environmental hazards, including the impacts of climate change. Congressman Sarbanes is working to address legacy pollution, support climate mitigation and resilience measures, and create opportunities for those most impacted by social injustices to be at the forefront of action in their communities. He also recognizes that environmental justice issues are intrinsically tied to other social justice issues, and believes that Congress must also prioritize equity and provide assistance to communities disproportionately burdened by environmental and public health hazards as it discusses housing, health care access, transportation and infrastructure policies.