Environment

California's 19th Congressional District is 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 the California coastline.

We must remain committed to protecting our environment for future generations by confronting and attempting to reverse the effects of climate change to support the health of our community, country, and planet.

As your Member of Congress, I am working to deliver thoughtful and innovative action on climate change to protect public health, and clean air and clean water; advance our economy and global preeminence in green technology; defend our national security; and to pass on a healthy and sustainable future for our children.

I was proud to help craft and pass into law the Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant, ambitious investment in tools combating the climate crisis in history. This landmark legislation is working to reduce our carbon output by 44 percent by 2030. The legislation provides:

• $783 billion in overall clean energy investments.
• The first-ever national network of EV chargers. Zero emission buses nationwide.
• New initiatives to clean up legacy pollution. Consumer tax credits to lower household energy costs.
• Investments in climate-smart agriculture. Support for coastal habitat conservation and restoration.
• Efforts to bolster wildfire resiliency and urban forestry.
• Incentives for the adoption of microgrids and fuel cells.
• Grant programs for energy-efficient affordable housing. Reductions in carbon emissions in manufacturing.
• Increased funding for National Marine Sanctuaries.

I have authored, introduced, and cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation that protect our pristine environment on the Central Coast. This legislation includes my California Central Coast Conservation Act which would establish a moratorium on all new oil and gas leasing on federal public land on the central coast of California. My MONARCH Act, which would support the preservation, protection, and restoration of habitats for the western monarch butterfly. My E-BIKE Act, which would encourage the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, through a consumer tax credit. My Wildfire Emergency Act, which would reduce the risk of wildfires through forest restoration, investments in critical infrastructure, and training. My GATES Act, which would reduce barriers for farmers, ranchers, and producers seeking access to agricultural conservation programs. And my MICROGRID Extension Act which would extend tax credits for microgrid controllers in addition to fuel cells and linear generators.

America, and our home state of California, has been a leader in combating climate change. I believe that we must rejoin our global partners in tackling the threat of climate change and commit to substantial reductions in carbon pollution, meaningful investments in clean energy, and policies that strengthen our communities and prioritize the health and safety of current and future generations.

I will continue to fight to advance legislation and policies to effectively address the climate crisis. Climate change is real, it is urgent, and it demands action.

Read more about the bills that I have introduced and cosponsored here.