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Energy & the Environment

Reps. Tonko, Schakowsky Criticize Trump Administration Plan to Weaken Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards

| Posted in Press Releases

"The Trump Administration’s plan to roll back fuel efficiency standards puts corporate and special interests ahead of the needs of America’s families and our environment. These proven standards will save consumers an estimated $1.7 trillion at the pump from vehicles produced between 2011 and 2025 and help U.S. automakers continue to develop cutting edge technologies. Instead of saving drivers money and making real progress in reducing carbon pollution, this move will cause pain at the pump and abandon America’s global leadership on climate change. I strongly oppose this rollback of common sense and achievable environmental and consumer protections.” - Rep. Paul Tonko

Pallone, Tonko, Kildee, and Dingell on Trump Administration Freezing EPA Grant Funding Including Aid to Flint

| Posted in Press Releases

"President Trump’s directive to freeze EPA grant funding is very concerning. Just last month, Democrats and Republicans in Congress came together in a bipartisan fashion to pass long overdue aid for the people of Flint, Michigan. Flint families have waited long enough for help and President Trump's EPA directives should not jeopardize or delay real aid from reaching Flint or any other community in need."

Tonko Joins One Thousand Capital Region Demonstrators for Women’s March in Washington, DC

| Posted in Press Releases

"The message of today’s march is about more than women, though. It is about the fight for progress and opportunity for all Americans. We need laws and policies that will help America’s working families by providing fairness in the workplace, guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, and respecting and defending our rights to access quality affordable healthcare and to govern our own bodies. We must take greater steps to end violence against women, strengthen paid family leave, ensure antidiscrimination protections, defend civil and workers’ rights, clean and protect our air and water, raise the minimum wage, and get big money out of politics." - Rep. Paul Tonko

Rep. Tonko Selected for Leadership Role on House Energy and Commerce Committee

| Posted in Press Releases

"As Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee, I will continue to fight for protections for our air, investments in water infrastructure to keep our families safe, and policies that slow or reverse the devastating effects of climate change that threaten America’s industries and the jobs and opportunities that depend on them." - Rep. Paul Tonko

Rep. Paul Tonko's 2016 Year in Review

| Posted in Blog

In 2016, Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) built on previous years of success in working across the aisle to pass legislation that supports Capital Region job creators, makes our water safer, combats the opioid crisis, provides relief to those living with mental illness, enhances public health, protects consumers, and sets the nation on its clearest path yet to overcoming Alzheimer’s…

Tonko Statement on Trump Nomination of Rick Perry to Head Department He Vowed to Abolish

| Posted in Press Releases

ALBANY – Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement in response to news that President-elect Donald J. Trump plans to nominate former Texas Governor Rick Perry as his first Energy Secretary. “Today, Mr. Trump nominated Governor Perry, a man who stated he wants to abolish the Department of Energy, to head the very same agency. While I am hopeful to work with any…

Tonko Statement on House Science Committee Subpoena of Attorneys General, Environmental Groups

| Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) released the following statement in response to an announcement from House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) and other Republican Members that they plan to issue subpoenas to attorneys general and environmental groups in an unprecedented move of unconstitutional overreach to impede legitimate investigations: “I am…

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