Environment

"In California, it is calculated that the coast environment of California provides the state $22 billion in annual economic activity and employs 369,000 people. In Oregon it’s over $1 billion annually and some 17,000 are employed. In Washington, 150,000 people and over $8 billion. We value that economic activity as much as we value the precious coastline, the fishing, and the other opportunities it presents to us."

"I want to commend Adarsha, Apoorva, and Callie for their ongoing work on Project Jatropha. Unhindered by their young age and the scale of the problem, these students are courageously working to combat global warming. They approach this serious challenge with humility and youthful excitement."

"The disaster in the Gulf Coast requires multiple responses. We must have a thorough investigation of what exactly went wrong; we must make sure that oil companies are held responsible for every penny of damage they cause; and we must do all we can to prevent new leases in federal waters,” Rep. Garamendi said. “As I continue working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass my legislation that would stop all new leases in federal waters on the West Coast, I am also proud to cosponsor a number of other bills that address the inherent problems of offshore oil drilling."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Senators Boxer, Cantwell, Feinstein, Merkley, Murray, and Wyden for standing up for the Pacific Coast. Now that the House and Senate have identical bills to stop all new drilling from platforms in federal waters on the West Coast, our chances of success have significantly increased."

“The Home Star Act is an example of policy innovation where it is needed most. By providing consumer incentives towards energy efficient homes, this bill will accomplish three crucial goals: a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a big boost in household incomes, and the creation of American jobs.”

"Exactly six months ago, I entered Congress promising to protect this great nation from threats foreign and domestic. Today I’m fulfilling that promise," said Rep. Garamendi, a former Deputy U.S. Interior Secretary under President Clinton. "The risk is too great to permit new platform oil and natural gas drilling on the West Coast. Our coastline was well served by a congressional moratorium that helped protect us for 27 years. It’s time we reinstated the ban on new drilling in federal waters near California, Oregon, and Washington."

"It’s unfortunate it took one of the worst ecological disasters in U.S. history for Governor Schwarzenegger to come to his senses, but today, friends of California’s coastline can breathe a sigh of relief. For the time being, there will be no new offshore oil drilling off the coast of Santa Barbara, and that means the oil companies salivating for new drilling will have to look elsewhere for evidence of the Golden State’s willingness to sell its coast to the highest bidder."

"Sadly, the people of the Gulf Coast are now learning what offshore oil drilling reaps: the destruction of natural preserves, the ruination of coastlines, and the disruption of ocean-based economies," said Congressman Garamendi. "This marks a turning point in our national discussion on new offshore oil drilling. Those calling for 'drill, baby, drill' need to start including the corollary, 'spill, baby, spill'."