August 28, 2021

Dear Friends,

This week, I was thrilled to welcome U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to the Capital Region. During his first few months at the helm of the EPA, Administrator Regan has taken incredible strides to reestablish the mission of the agency, restoring the central role of science and transparency, prioritizing environmental justice issues and tackling the growing threat of climate change.

During his visit, we participated in a number of discussions and met with local stakeholders on key priorities including clean water infrastructure, scientific integrity and environmental justice—issues that I have championed throughout my time in Congress and as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change.

These events included:

• A roundtable conversation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with President Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson and local scientists on the importance of protecting science and ensuring it is free from political interference. Our local experts gave insight into their work and warned of the potential and lasting repercussions of not establishing strong federal science standards—a concern I have raised since the Obama Administration and worked to address with my Scientific Integrity Act.
• A site visit to a property undergoing a lead service line replacement in the city of Albany with Mayor Sheehan and local leaders to highlight the need for drinking water investments in our community. An estimated 40 percent of households in Albany have lead service lines. We know the damaging and lasting impact of lead exposure, particularly on our kids. I’m pushing to remove every one of the 10 million lead components from our U.S. water systems with my AQUA Act that would ensure all of our communities have access to clean water.
• An environmental justice discussion at Ezra Prentice Homes to hear the insights and perspectives of community leaders in South End. The sad reality is the communities—often communities of color—that have shouldered the burdens of pollution don’t have a seat at the table in decisions on environmental and infrastructure policy. I’m working to change that reality and ensure that those who live in our communities are the voices that drive policy both locally and nationally.

My priority as a public servant is to deliver meaningful, lasting legislation that benefits all Americans. Enacting effective policies requires firsthand knowledge of the pressing challenges our communities face and collaboration at the local, state and federal level.

The conversations I had this week fill my voice. Administrator Regan and I are eager to return to Washington with the words and insights of our local leaders and advocates to carry forward strong policies that truly support those who need it most. Together we can make the investments that pave a path toward a cleaner, more resilient, competitive, and just Capital Region and nation.

I look forward to my continued work with our state and local leaders and this Administration to deliver for the American people.

As always, thank you for reading.

Your friend,

DID YOU KNOW?

As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, there are many veterans who served in Afghanistan who wish to help their Afghan allies receive a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Listed are instructions on how to establish SIV eligibility:

• SIV applicants must be able to prove that they have at least one year of qualifying employment by, or on behalf of, the U.S. government. The majority of SIV applicants are in this stage of the process. You can find additional details about that from the Department of State HERE.
• Veterans who served as the direct, senior supervisor, or a person familiar with the work of SIV-eligible Afghans for/on behalf of the United States may submit a letter of recommendation or evaluation. That letter must contain:
  • The SIV applicant’s name, approximate age and contact details
  • Dates of work for or on behalf of the U.S. government
  • Who or what U.S. government entity the candidate workers for
  • Narrative description of applicant’s contributions to U.S. effort
• Any veteran interested in helping to assist resettled Afghan SIVs and refugees, reach out to your local refugee resettlement agency.
• For a list of resettlement agency and affiliate contacts, please visit https://wrapsnet.org/resources/