Climate Change and the Environment

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced legislation today that would require the federal government to measure the outdoor recreation industry’s impact on the U.S. economy. The Outdoor Recreation’s Economic Contributions (REC) Act would direct the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis… Read more »

2015 was the hottest year in recorded history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Both agencies confirmed today that the global average temperature recorded in 2015 was 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit over the 20th century average and surpassed last year’s record by .29 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the annual global temperature record by the largest margin in the 136-year scientific record. Read more »

Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Mike Honda (D-CA) welcomed the 100th co-sponsor to support their legislation, H. Res. 569, condemning violence and bigotry towards Muslim-Americans. Read more »

On the Eve of the Washington, DC premier of "A Walk In the Woods" this week, Congressman Don Beyer just returned from his 46th section hike of the Appalachian Trail. Read more »

Congressman Don Beyer welcomed the release of President Obama's final Clean Power Plan as an historic action on climate change: “Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. President Obama’s Clean Power Plan will combat this threat to our health, safety, and security of the generations who will inherit our environmental legacy," said Rep. Don Beyer. "Millions of… Read more »

Congressman Don Beyer released the following statement in response to the Department of Defense (DoD) Report on the National Implications of Climate Change:  “Today’s report from the Defense Department is another emphatic statement that climate change is not only real, but is a national security threat," said Rep. Don Beyer. "Sea level rise, drought and severe weather,… Read more »

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 »