ALBANY, NY – Congressman Paul D. Tonko resorted to science and facts in his reaction to the Trump Administration today after its release of a proposed rule weakening clean energy standards allowing for more carbon pollution that could lead to as many as 1,400 more premature deaths in the U.S. every year. “This proposal not only ignores the clear and growing threat of climate change, it exposes countless New York families and communities to real dangers from air pollution,” said Tonko. “In New Yo... Read more

WASHINGTON – Congressman Paul D. Tonko, the top Democrat on the Energy & Commerce Environment Subcommittee, issued a strong rebuke of the announcement this morning that the Trump Administration will roll back previously agreed-upon vehicle emissions standards for Model Year 2021-2026 light-duty vehicles. The new proposal would freeze standards at the 2020 levels through 2026 and seek to revoke California’s waiver, which allows California to avoid federal preemption and set its own vehicle standa... Read more

"[T]he proposed rule will limit transparency and undermine the scientific integrity of EPA’s rulemaking process,” the lawmakers wrote, noting it “would implement an opaque process allowing EPA to selectively suppress scientific evidence without accountability and in the process undermine bedrock environmental laws.” Read more

"With the intensity and frequency of these storms continuing to rise, we must resolve ourselves to move past the drama and denials surrounding climate change and instead shift our focus to managing the long-term costs and consequences of this very real and growing threat. Investing now in mitigation and prevention will serve us far better, and at much lower cost, than waiting for devastation to hit with no plan other than to pick up the pieces.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more

"Since 2002, the Brownfields program has helped put tens of thousands of acres of economically critical land back into circulation, supporting local economies and encouraging greater development in areas that were previously written off. In the process, more than 130,000 jobs have been created and $24 billion has been leveraged from federal investment. Local governments are realizing that through this program we can turn a liability into an opportunity." Read more

"The President’s Executive Order on this issue is more than bad policy, it is a critical failure to respond to a real and proven threat to the lives and livelihood of millions of American families. This bill would stop it in its tracks.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more

"This is not a healthcare plan, it’s a tax on working families and seniors and a tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. Without exception, this is the most harmful, most irresponsible piece of major legislation I have ever seen. Under this plan our middle class and working families pay more for less coverage. Our seniors and those approaching retirement are forced to pay thousands more to stay covered. And 24 million more of our most vulnerable neighbors will be shoved out into the cold." - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more

"With proper support from Congress, we can ensure that the future global energy system, and the infrastructure that will support it, will be researched, designed, and manufactured here in the United States. And that our energy workforce is representative of our nation." - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more

"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." Read more

"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 Read more