Environment
The central coast of California home to irreplaceable, pristine public lands and unspoiled coastline and waters. Travelers from around the world visit our district to explore Pinnacles National Park, Fort Ord National Monument, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ventana Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest, and part of the California Coastal National Monument, which spans along the California coastline.
As your Congressman, I want to ensure that these natural wonders are available for future generations to enjoy. In Washington, I am fighting to combat environmental problems such as sea level rise and ocean acidification. I am also working to maintain and improve the balance between a highly productive agricultural industry, a diverse and sensitive environment, and sustainable tourism.
I will continue to work with my fellow members of Congress on the Climate Solutions, Trails, and Oceans Caucuses to find innovative solutions to protect our environment.
More on Environment
SANTA CRUZ >> A June executive order by President Donald Trump that revoked former President Barack Obama’s ocean policy and prioritized energy production and economic gains over marine sustainability has drawn ire, and some action, from scientists, lawmakers and environmental groups spanning the Monterey Bay.
ELKHORN — The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve received a $685,000 federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
The grant will fund improvements to the Reserve’s Visitor Center, including the construction of a redesigned parking lot and walkway to improve accessibility. The new parking lot will better support traffic flow from the entrance gate and create a designated school bus drop off area.
SALINAS, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) announced that the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve received a $685,000.00 federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). These funds will support Phase II of the Reserve’s Visitor Services Enhancement Project.
North Monterey County >> Visitors to the Elkhorn Slough will see a number of improvements thanks to a federal grant.
The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is planning to spend a $685,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association on a second phase of its visitor services enhancement project, including upgraded parking and walkway, a designated school bus drop off area, and a water catchment system.
I will be holding town hall meetings this month in Salinas, Watsonville, and Monterey. These meetings will be opportunities for members of our community to share their ideas and concerns about issues affecting the central coast of California. Seating for all events is first come, first served. Town halls will also be live-streamed on my Facebook and YouTube pages.
For ADA or translation accommodations, or any other questions, please call (831) 424-2229.
A California delegation in Congress has requested a major disaster declaration for the state’s wildfires, according to a statement from Congressman Jimmy Panetta released Tuesday.
The statement reads as follows:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05), John Garamendi (CA-03), Jared Huffman (CA-02) and other bipartisan members of the California delegation, including Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), in writing to the President to ask him to immediately grant California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the destructive wildfires that have hit Lake, Mendocino, and Napa Counties over the past two weeks.
SALINAS, CA – Today, immediately following the Trump Administration’s announcement that it will seek to roll back current fuel economy and emissions standards and nullify California’s waiver, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) joined a coalition of 60 Democratic Members of Congress in announcing a resolution (H.Con.Res 130) to oppose the move.
SALINAS, CA – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Congressman Steve Knight (R-CA-25) introduced bipartisan legislation to support seasonal employees of the National Park Service (NPS). Under existing regulation, seasonal employees of the NPS are only permitted to work at one National Park annually. The bill, H.R. 6599, would amend the law to permit seasonal employees to work at multiple NPS sites in a given year.
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) joined Central Coast veterans for a “Vet into Your Sanctuary” Cruise on board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel Fulmar.