Issue Position: Fighting for a Clean and Healthy Environment

Issue Position

Protecting our environment, both around the world and here in the San Fernando Valley, is one of my top legislative priorities. Because of my work to protect the environment, I have consistently earned a 100% rating from the Sierra Club in their evaluation of my voting record. "I will continue to work closely with the Sierra Club and other important environmental groups to pass meaningful laws to preserve and protect the environment. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the many steps I have taken to fight for a clean and healthy environment.
Supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act
(Sometimes called Cap and Trade)
I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), sometimes called Cap and Trade. This historic legislation was an important effort to help America achieve energy independence and fight global warming. It would have created millions of jobs in the green energy sector, reduced our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and helped curb greenhouse gas emissions. The world economy is rapidly moving towards greater reliance on green technology, and we must act now in order to continue to be the world's leader in the transition to a green economy. This legislation would have promoted innovation and made long-term investments in technology that would benefit our economy and create jobs for years to come. Additionally, energy rebates and tax credits would have been offered to low-income households to offset costs, while keeping energy costs low for all Americans. There would have been no deficit increase as a result of the legislation. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy released a study stating that the legislation could save approximately $750 per household by 2020 and $3,900 per household by 2030.

The legislation passed the House by a vote of 219 to 212 in 2009.
Unfortunately, the Senate did not act on this important legislation and given the partisan climate in the House of Representatives it is unlikely that a new version of this bill will be considered this year.
Protecting the Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the nation's largest urban national park providing a variety of outdoor activities for over 33 million annual visitors. Over the years, I have helped secure nearly $20 million to acquire and preserve critical open space, and complete the 65-mile Backbone Trail.
Earlier in the year, I worked to persuade the Obama Administration to include funding in its Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for land acquisitions in the Santa Monica Mountains. The President's budget includes $3 million to acquire and protect up to 350 acres of pristine land in Zuma and Trancas Canyons near Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains. I will work in Congress to preserve funding for the acquisition of these pristine properties from the current owners who are willing sellers. The current administration has increased its interest in assisting local efforts to preserve open space in the Santa Monica Mountains. In July 2010, I joined Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on a tour of the Santa Monica Mountains as part of the administration's America's Great Outdoors Initiative. I invited Secretary Salazar to visit the Santa Monica Mountains to showcase the successful efforts of federal, state and local park agencies, community organizations and ordinary citizens to conserve open space, protect critical habitat, and increase recreational opportunities for millions of visitors from across Los Angeles, the United States, and the world. Improving Vehicle Mileage & Reducing Greenhouse Gasses California leads the nation in passing progressive environmental policies. I have worked to make sure that the federal government does not prohibit California from implementing those policies. In 2007, the EPA under the Bush administration rejected California's request to regulate motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions and to require higher fuel economy standards. In 2009, I introduced the Right to Clean Vehicles Act to force the EPA to allow California to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Shortly thereafter, the Obama administration's EPA reversed the previous decision and allowed California to maintain its regulations. Subsequently, the administration issued new nationwide rules designed to reach reduction levels similar to those adopted by the State of California. The new rules will be phased-in beginning in model year 2012 for cars and light trucks (pickups, vans, and SUVs). The rules are estimated to increase fuel economy standards to as much as 35.5 miles per gallon by model year 2016. The standards will require cars, SUVs, minivans, and other light trucks to meet combined emissions levels that the agency estimates will average a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to current levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in May 2011 requirements for new fuel economy window labels that U.S. auto dealers place on new cars and light trucks in their showrooms. This new labeling should help consumers make better informed decisions.

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