Climate Change and the Environment

Congressman Don Beyer expressed disappointment in the Supreme Court’s decision today in Michigan v. Environmental Protection Agency that rolled back Obama Administration environmental regulations for power plants: “Today’s Supreme Court’s decision in Michigan v. Environmental Protection Agency is disappointing.  This ruling undermines President Obama’s work to strengthen public… Read more »

Congressman Don Beyer reaffirmed his support today for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan and the Clean Air Act by voting against the Ratepayer Protection Act which would roll back the EPA’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions.   “The EPA’s landmark proposal is designed to help cities and states cut the dangerous carbon emissions that threaten our… Read more »

Congressman Don Beyer, member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, offered two amendments at today’s committee debate on H.R. 2295, the National Energy Security Corridors Act. The amendments would keep Congress’ original intent of exempting National Parks and Trails from the development of pipelines.   "Lowering heating and electric bills for middle class American… Read more »

Congressman Don Beyer applauded the final "Waters of the United States" rule announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to update and clarify the protections offered by the 1972 Clean Water Act.     “This is such an important step toward fully protecting the streams and wetlands most vulnerable to pollution… Read more »

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier​ and I introduced an amendment to HR 1806, which tried to keep "the reduction of greenhouse gasses" as one of the many goals of ARPA-E research. Somehow House Republicans interpereted this as limiting the range of possible research. Nonsense. But, we lost, 232 to 190.  Thanks to Eddie Bernice Johnson​ for supporting this amendment.  Read more »

Beautiful day for a ride to work - and I'm not even tire-ed! Read more »

U.S. Representative Don Beyer joined Governor Terry McAuliffe, Reps. Gerry Connolly and Barbara Comstock, and local and state leaders to tour the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority (WMATA) new 7000 series train cars made by Kawasaki:   “These new cars are smarter, sleeker, safer, and far more energy efficient,” said Rep. Beyer.  “They are better for the… Read more »

U.S. Representative Don Beyer threw his support behind the White House’s formal announcement that the United States will offer a proposal to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference that would curb domestic greenhouse gas emissions by up to 28 percent. “Global climate change is the existential crisis of our time. I am proud to see President Obama’s pledge that the United… Read more »

Fifty years ago this week, President Lyndon Baines Johnson became the first President to speak about the dangers of climate change in an iconic environmental address to the nation. He spoke of the need for “a new conservation,” whose object was “not just man’s welfare but the dignity of man’s spirit.” And he warned of the dangers of climate change: “This generation has altered the… Read more »

Congressional lawmakers face many difficult votes over the course of their careers. Thankfully, with the help of my excellent staff, many advisors, and countless engaged constituents I know that I will have all the advice I need to make the decisions that are best for the 8th District, Virginia, and the country. While I know that I will spend a great deal of time deliberating on such… Read more »