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Protecting our Environment

The largest environmental issue facing the nation is man-made climate change. We must curb the devastating effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Scientific evidence leaves no doubt that our global climate is changing as a result of greenhouse gases produced by human activity.

Northwest Washington is already a leader when it comes to renewable energy, and I am working to strengthen our region’s role as center of excellence. In building solar panels, designing systems that harness wave energy, or developing energy storage technology with the help of America’s national laboratories, our region is primed to be a center of gravity in developing the technologies that will help us attack climate change now and long into the future.

I have a record of voting in support of research funding, technology and tax credits to grow our investment in clean energy and create new jobs in the private sector. I am in favor of cap and trade, which would use market-based incentives to reduce carbon emissions. I support the President's Clean Power Plan to dramatically reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel based power plants. And I want to eliminate subsidies for big oil companies.

Preserving the wildlife, lands and waters that make the Pacific Northwest unique is important to maintaining a healthy economy and a high quality of life now and for future generations. I have led efforts to preserve Illabot Creek, the San Juan Islands National Monument, and the Wild Sky Wilderness in order to restore critical habitats and protect our lands and economy for future generations. And I will continue to push for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has been critical to protecting public lands in Northwest Washington for 50 years and which has helped preserve open spaces including Ebey’s Reserve, Chuckanut Bay, and the Wild Sky Wilderness.

We only have one planet, and I will continue the fight to protect it.