by John Garamendi
Last Friday, my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives introduced a dangerous bill (H.R. 861) that would abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sadly, this bill would halt the incredible progress the EPA has made throughout its history to defend public health and combat the threats posed by climate change.
In the 46 years since the EPA was created by Republican President, Richard Nixon, it has been a critical safeguard for the environment and public health. The EPA identifies and regulates dangerous chemicals, promotes environmental education in our schools, and ensures that our air and water are protected for future generations.
Unfortunately, this backwards bill isn’t the only attack the EPA has had to sustain in recent weeks. One of Donald Trump’s first actions as President was to silence the EPA and other science agencies through an Executive Order. His action prevents the EPA from sharing information with the public and prohibits it from issuing any grants or contracts that could help us in combatting serious environmental issues.
In Congress, I have the honor of representing UC Davis—a global leader in environmental research. UC Davis has relied on EPA grants for years to help advance global knowledge of the challenges posed by climate change. Just last year, the University received an EPA grant of $790,000 to conduct research on protecting and improving air quality.
If the GOP Congress abolishes the EPA, the critical advancements that have been made to address environmental challenges will be stifled. That is not what the American people sent us to Washington to do. This is something I am deeply concerned about, and I will continue to fight in Congress for the environment and the academic research that helps us preserve it.
In the weeks and months ahead, I encourage you to reach out and inform me of your interests and concerns. Listening and hearing your voice is the most important part of my job, and I hope you will reach out.
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I am very appreciative of John Garamendi’s article. I would have found it even more useful if he had included a list of people to whom to outreach demonstrating support for the EPA in the changed political situation.
Also, a question.
“His action prevents the EPA from sharing information with the public and prohibits it from issuing any grants or contracts that could help us in combatting serious environmental issues.”
Does this include specific requests for public information, or just outreach ?
The EPA has become an over burdensome dictator and it’s about time they are reeled in.
Go Trump!
Is the air quality in this country better now or 46 years ago?
The only over burdensome dictator is the current POTUS. Look at the legal errors, ethical breeches ( “Buy Ivanka’s stuff”, “Nordstrom’s is so unfair”), ethically challenged cabinet picks of millionaires and billionaires ( “we want to ensure a return on our investment” De Vos) with absolutely no qualifications for their position. Personal attacks on the judiciary and misjudgments which strengthen countries that are not our allies ( China) and weaken those who are ( EU). Anyone who believes this man is a champion of the American middle class is just plain delusional, as demonstrated by his words and actions.
As Senator Markey said, “Scott Pruitt would have EPA stand for Every Polluter’s Ally.” I guess we will see how much damage to the environment the Trump administration will do in the next 4 years. Let’s hope it’s mostly reversible.
My experience is that it’s far easier to tear down than to build up.
I am glad to hear that Congressman Garamendi is prioritizing this issue, and pleased to hear: “This is something I am deeply concerned about, and I will continue to fight in Congress for the environment and the academic research that helps us preserve it.” But I’d like to hear more specifics. Fight how? What are you prepared to do? Will you introduce legislation? Will you pointedly challenge and call out your Republican colleagues when they say things that are false or dangerous? Will you point out their monetary conflicts of interest and avoid any such yourself? Will you stand and protest with us? These are not times for small measures. I’d like to see our Congressman take big, bold, actions. The days of “incremental progress” are done.
I sincerely hope that you communicated that thought directly to our representative… if not, just so much wind…
I hope to attend the meeting on Sunday and say something like this in person… but good idea, I will transmit in other ways as well.
Yes, and also neighboring district reps and our two Senators… I may not fully agree, but I am compelled to advise how to be effective… but in the matter, pretty much fully agree…
Not sure if neighboring representatives would care about my opinion. Harris might listen, but seems as though there is little hope for Feinstein listening to her constituents – although she did vote against Sessions.
Well, you may be right… but if you don’t try, there is no way you can succeed… just saying….
I’m pretty convinced that well correspondence works at a local level, it does not work on highly partisan issues that are national in scope.
Without an attempt, the status quo is a fait accompli… that is a fact.
There are other ways
Howard, I read an article recently that was pretty convincing in saying that if you contact representatives who are not your own, they A) don’t care, and B) you just clog things up for constituents who might share your views but who can’t get through. Your best bet, then, is to contact friends in other areas and get *them* to contact their representatives.