Week #7: Environment

Fact:  The impact of human activity on the environment has been an ongoing issue for decades.  In December, 1970, President Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency by calling for the creation of “a strong, independent agency . . . to make a coordinated attack on the pollutants which debase the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land that grows our food.”  Since that time, the struggle has been on to safeguard our environment. Today the issues are too numerous to list.  Climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming and rising sea levels is a real concern.  Water pollution caused by acid rain, oil spills, algal bloom, urban runoff, herbicides, pesticides, and other sources greatly reduces water quality.  Land pollution due to intensive farming, soil erosion, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, deforestation, and waste disposal greatly compromise our earth.  In some way or form, almost all cultures have recognized the importance of nature and its biological diversity for their societies and have therefore understood the need to maintain it.  Yet power, greed, and politics have affected the precarious balance.

Fact:  Bill Maske is very much concerned about our environment and the future.  Bill believes the Environmental Protection Agency must have independent and far-ranging authority to address environmental issues.  Bill believes it is the responsibility of the United States Congress to act in a responsible manner to ensure we achieve and sustain the highest quality air, water, and land for ourselves and our posterity.  As a member of the United States House of Representatives, Bill would vote in favor of environmental rules, regulations, and initiatives to improve, restore, and achieve a healthy environment for all people.

Fact:  Tom Latham’s National Environmental score card regarding his voting record on environmental issues are as follows: 111th Congress, 0%; 110th Congress, 12%; 109th Congress, 3%; 108th Congress, 6%; 107th Congress, 14%; and 106th Congress, 0%.

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “No” on the Offshore Drilling Regulations (HR 3534) which established strict regulations and oversight on all offshore leasing and exploration for energy resources.  Bill Maske would have voted “Yes.”

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “No” on the Home Star Energy Retrofit (HR 5019) which would create jobs, save energy, and lower family energy bills.  This legislation created jobs in manufacturing energy efficient technology and construction.  Bill Maske would have voted “Yes.”

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “No” on the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010 (HR 4715).  An Estuary is the point where a river meets the seas (for example, Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico) and is critical to the health of our coastal environments.  The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state officials in which the estuary is located to monitor the estuary and associated water quality conditions, monitor habitat conditions related to the ecological health and water quality conditions, and to monitor the effectiveness of the actions taken as part of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.  Bill Maske would have voted “Yes.”

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “No” on Chemical Security (HR 2868) which would place chemical security under the Department of Homeland Security.  There are 6,300 high-risk chemical plants in the United States.  This legislation requires these plants to convert to safer manufacturing and storage practices.  Bill Maske would have voted “Yes.”

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “No” on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) which promotes the development of a clean energy economy through the creation of clean energy jobs, energy independence, and the reduction of global warming pollution.  This legislation provided for the creation of Cap and Trade.

Fact:  Bill Maske would have voted “Yes” on HR 2454 because of its far-reaching benefits for the environment.  However, Bill would have sought an amendment on Cap and Trade.  Bill believes Cap and Trade is a financial boondoggle for Wall Street with a lot of potential for corruption which would compromise the actual reduction of carbon emissions.  Bill supports capping carbon emissions but believe this should be accomplished in a straightforward manner.

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “No” on Omnibus Public Land Management Act 2009 (HR 146) which extends and protects public lands and wilderness areas.  This legislation also authorizes water preservation projects, as well as initiatives to protect the ocean.  Bill Maske would have voted “Yes.”

Fact:  Tom Latham voted “Yes” on Trade-in Vouchers for Fuel Efficient Cars (HR 2751).  This legislation was also know as "Cash for Clunkers."  Bill Maske would have also have voted “Yes” on this legislation.