Environment  

 
The Hudson Valley is graced with a tremendous wealth of natural beauty and environmental resources.  As I consider the world we will leave our children and grandchildren it becomes clear to me that it is our undeniable responsibility to preserve the region’s natural wonders for future generations.  Environmental protection is also critical to our health and prosperity, and requires strong action in the face of polluting special interests.  In Congress I am prepared to fight tooth and nail against the old, dirty power plants and industrial polluters that threaten our right to clean air and water.
 
Hudson River
The Hudson River is the lifeblood of the Hudson Valley, and it is crucial that it be cleaned and defended from further pollution.  In order to achieve these goals I will fight to make sure that resources are available to Hudson Valley communities for watershed management, cleanup programs, and drinking water programs.
 
Superfund
For too long, the burden of cleaning up environmentally damaged sites in the Hudson Valley has fallen to local communities without sufficient federal support.  I am committed to ensuring that the EPA meets its responsibilities to provide adequate resources to the Superfund sites, as well as reviving the spirit of the “polluter pays” principle in the Superfund program.
 
Indian Point
The Indian Point Energy Center’s operational record and proximity to New York City continue to make it a significant threat to the security and environment of the Hudson Valley.  About 8% of the nation’s population lives within 50 miles of Indian Point, there’s a strong likelihood that the plant was assessed by one of the plotters of the 9/11 attacks, and there are significant doubts that the emergency evacuation plan for communities surrounding the plant would actually be feasible in case of an incident.   Indian Point has a poor safety record, and the plant’s spent fuel pools continues to suffer from an uncontrolled leak of radioactive material that threaten the Hudson River and surrounding water supplies.  I believe that the Hudson Valley would be much better served by replacing Indian Point with renewable forms of energy and new energy technologies.
 
In light of the special circumstances surrounding Indian Point’s location and history, I have introduced H.R.994, which would require an Independent Safety Assessment to take place, and for its recommendations to have been implemented, before Indian Point could be granted a license renewal. 
 
Clean Water
The programs authorized by the Clean Water Act have allowed America to make great strides in reversing the effects of pollution and ensuring that our waterways are swimmable and our water supply is drinkable.  However, we are in danger of regressing if we do not provide more support to these programs, and make it easier for small communities to use them for clean water projects.  The Hudson Valley is in particular need of support to modernize and expand its old water infrastructure.  By the EPA’s own estimation, New York alone requires about $20 billion in funding for wastewater projects.
 
With one of my first votes in Congress I voted for a continuing resolution that maintained government funding and increased funding to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by almost $200 million.  From my position on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have also taken action to help meet this need by cosponsoring H.R. 720, the Water Quality Financing Act, which would authorize $14 billion over five years for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and includes provisions to encourage green infrastructure and accessibility for small communities.
 
Climate Change
Climate change is a complex challenge with dire consequences for future generations.  Real action must be taken in Congress to address this threat.  The same solutions we need to implement to deal with climate change will carry the additional benefit of lessening incidences of asthma, emphysema, acid rain, and oil spills.  Not only will policies to address global climate change result in tangible environmental and health protections, but I am confident that they will also invigorate our economy by spurring investment in new energy technologies and reducing our dependence of foreign oil.
 
As part of my commitment to fight global climate change, I have cosponsored H.R. 620, the Climate Stewardship Act, which would institute a cap and trade system to limit greenhouse gas emissions and provide a market incentive for companies to produce technologies that combat global warming.