Environment

“For 33 years my family has lived in the Delta. We love its unique character and history. Its waterways, communities, farms, ecosystem together form a valuable and fragile part of California,” said Congressman Garamendi. “This legislation will give local communities and individuals the tool to protect the Delta.”

"By developing strategies to reduce Travis’s carbon footprint through the EMIS pilot program, the Air Force will also help California achieve its AB 32 climate change goals," Garamendi added. "We’ve had a rough patch in the economy, but one bright spot in California has been the rapid growth of our green technology sector. Our leadership in reducing greenhouse gases – at Travis and throughout the state – is a win for our economy and a win for our precious natural resources."

"The most high risk pipeline in the Bay Area runs through my district – from Livermore to Sunol," added Garamendi, California’s former Lieutenant Governor and State Insurance Commissioner. "People I represent are among the most vulnerable in the nation, yet according to a recent newspaper report, city officials were not informed. I have many questions for PG&E and the state and federal regulators. I want answers."

"Warehousing and distributing goods employs a lot of Americans, but it’s only one piece of the supply chain. In the research and development, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of products, opportunities abound to create quality jobs. As we celebrate the creation of good jobs here today, let’s remember that America’s future prosperity depends not just on the distribution of goods but also on the creation of them. If we don’t make it in America, we won’t make it in America. Manufacturing matters."

"In the 21st century, America faces at least three challenges that will shape the destiny of our great nation: the rising influence of oil states that don’t share our interests or values; the growing ecological crisis caused by climate change; and the continuing decline of the manufacturing sector that created our middle class," Congressman Garamendi explained. "Public investments in rail manufactured in America tackle all three challenges head on. Investments in public transportation and infrastructure are a win for our economy, a win for our environment, and a win for our national security."

“Offshore oil drilling is inherently unsafe, and it’s in our economic and national security interests to transition away from it,” Congressman Garamendi said. “Until that day, we need the best safety precautions possible, and we must make sure that when spills occur, residents and small businesses are adequately compensated. The CLEAR Act accomplishes these important goals.”

"Today's announcement adds muscle to our country's transition from a dangerous oil addiction to a vibrant clean energy economy," Congressman Garamendi said. "The Department of Energy made a wise investment by selecting California's world class scientific research institutions to develop the fuels of the future."

"Deepwater platform drilling is inherently dangerous, but until we finally transition away from drilling, it's essential that we require the best safety and response standards available," Congressman Garamendi said. "These two bills are a good first step. The next steps include raising the ludicrous $75 million oil industry liability cap for spill cleanup, ending oil subsidies, further investing in clean technology, and stopping all new platform oil drilling."