As stewards of our Earth it is important to protect fragile ecosystems so that future generations will have more than pictures of what our beautiful planet used to look like.

Congress should ensure that the federal environmental laws are firmly in place and that the intent of these laws is enforced.

• PROTECTING OUR NATIONS WATERWAYS: I support legislation that would affirm Clean Water Act (CWA) protections for millions of wetlands, streams, ponds, and other waterways that have been made vulnerable due to the 2003 EPA directive. Protecting our country's precious waterways is essential to safeguarding our drinking water, alleviating flooding conditions, providing recreational opportunities, maintaining fish and wildlife habitat, and promoting a healthy economy.
• PROTECTING THE ARTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (ANWR): I am opposed to oil and gas drilling in ANWR. Studies indicate that this area could only provide six month’s supply of oil, 10 years from now, and consequently would have no significant effect on our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, while potentially having a devastating effect on this pristine and unique area. I believe our nation needs to develop a national energy policy that emphasizes energy efficiency and alternative and renewable energy sources, not drilling for oil in environmentally sensitive areas.
• THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA): Some bills recently passed in Congress undermine the importance of the ESA. I will continue to support legislation that protects our nation’s endangered species.