As Co-Chair of the Land Conservation Caucus, Co-Chair of the Wildlife Refuge Caucus and a lifelong outdoorsman, preserving America’s natural heritage has always been a priority of mine. That’s why I strongly support investing in land conservation, acting to prevent climate change and transitioning to a clean energy economy.

Land Conservation
Land conservation is an investment in our future and I’ve fought long and hard to preserve our green spaces for younger generations. For example, in 2015, President Obama created Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by executive order based on legislation I introduced in Congress. This monument permanently protects wildlife habitat, rare plants and precious water resources on more than 330,780 acres of incredible public lands.

In addition, in February 2019, I voted to pass the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. This package of more than 100 bills strengthens and expands federal conservation efforts. Three of my bills were included: (1) a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, (2) legislation to provide greater access to hunting, fishing and other recreational activities on public lands and (3) legislation to establish a program for innovative approaches to conservation, invasive species control and issues related to poaching and wildlife trafficking. I was pleased the bill became law in March 2019.

Please know I’m working hard to advance additional natural resource bills I introduced this Congress. These pieces of legislation would restore critical wetland habitats, protect our National Wildlife Refuge System and give outdoorsmen and women more access to public lands.

Climate Change
Climate change is the gravest threat we face today. That's why I wrote the GREEN Act which would make the largest investment in climate action that our country has ever seen. From wildfires to drought to floods and other extreme weather events, we need to take action — we simply cannot afford any delays.

Clean Energy
Clean, renewable energy—such as solar or wind—is good for our district, our country and our world. Clean energy sources generate power without emitting the greenhouse gases that lead to climate change, help make our grid more resilient to disruption and provide millions of people with well-paying, middle class jobs. As costs continue to plummet, clean energy will become a major driver of our 21st century economy.

In April 2021, I signed on as an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal. This resolution is a bold and aspirational statement about the urgency of transitioning to a clean energy economy. As a start to making good on this commitment, I’ve authored legislation to green our tax code by providing a 5-year extension of the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit and the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. These incentives will help speed up development and deployment of cost competitive renewable energy alternatives.

Please know I will continue fighting to protect our natural resources so that we leave our children and grandchildren a clean environment and sustainable economy.