April 23, 2022
Dear Friends,
On April 22, 1970, millions of people across the world took to the streets and inaugurated what became a global movement to protect our cherished planet. More than half a century later we still celebrate that day of action as Earth Day.
The passion and unity those demonstrators showed that day led to groundbreaking new reforms and environmental laws, as well as the creation of the EPA. Today, as our climate crisis worsens, we must take inspiration from those first Earth Day marchers and bring renewed energy to the fight to preserve our planet for future generations.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made on environmental issues under the Biden Administration. I’ve been a strong supporter of the President’s efforts to tackle emissions in every sector of our economy through actions like new EPA standards for methane emissions, a commitment to reducing dangerous hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions by 85% within 15 years, and setting a goal of 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030. I’ve also applauded this Administration’s actions to promote renewable sources of energy like offshore wind. Earlier this year, I joined Administration officials to celebrate a major federal grant to develop offshore wind manufacturing right here in the Capital Region at the Port of Albany.
These efforts represent significant steps forward as we work to protect our planet. But there is much more to do. As Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, I’m working hard every day alongside my colleagues to advance critical legislation to safeguard our planet for future generations.
Just this month, I introduced the Federal Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Leadership Act to jump-start the process of carbon removal in the United States. Through this historic legislation, we will be able to deploy innovative technologies, create good-paying jobs, and boost economic development all while combating the climate crisis.
Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also contained key investments to protect our environment, including funds to remove lead from our drinking water and a program to bolster our nation’s crucial electric vehicle infrastructure. Recently I was proud to announce major federal funding for the Capital Region from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help bolster local public transit, allowing our transit agencies to modernize and expand their services while reducing fossil fuel emissions. And just this week, I was thrilled to announce a National Science Foundation grant for Hudson Valley Community College to begin training a new generation of technicians to service our nation’s growing electric vehicle industry.
I’m also working hard alongside my fellow House Democrats to achieve long-delayed environmental justice. Your ZIP code shouldn’t determine your health, but today, some communities have to fight polluters right in their backyards. We need to protect Americans and our planet, not prioritize polluter profits.
And this month when I grilled Big Oil executives on their ties to dictatorships like Russia and their greedy recent price hikes at the cost of hardworking Americans, I stressed the vital importance of investing in renewable energy sources to protect national security and ensure that we are no longer beholden to the oil industry and its profit-seeking motives.
During this Earth Week, we can celebrate the significant progress we’ve made on protecting our planet over the last half-century and particularly during this Administration. But we must also reflect on how much work remains to both protect the progress we’ve made and to continue to move forward. This Earth Week, and every day, let us consider the planet we will leave behind for our children. We can and must come together to find real solutions that boost our national and local economies, keep Americans healthy, and preserve our beautiful planet for generations to come.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released a new tool for citizens to use to tell them if they, or someone they are helping, wants to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other benefits.
- This tool is part of SSA’s ongoing commitment to expanding online services and making it easier for people who face barriers to service to get the support they need.
- The process takes just 5-10 minutes and asks for basic information about the person applying for SSI.
- A Social Security representative will then schedule an appointment and send the appointment information by mail or by email, if provided. In some cases, a representative may call to schedule the appointment.
- Using this tool documents the applicant’s intent to file an application and establishes a protective filing date. This date determines when payments can begin if the application is approved.
- You can read more about Supplemental Security Income here.
