Working for the Environment

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our day. Congress must work towards solutions that preserve our environment for the next generation and ensure a greener, healthier future for all Americans.  We must move away from our dependence on fossil fuels and invest in clean, affordable energy.  We also need to crack down on polluters, advance climate science research and invest in conservation projects and environmental justice efforts.  Congressman Sarbanes has voted for legislation to help communities improve their resilience to a changing climate, reduce emissions and invest in sustainable energy development.  He has also sponsored legislation to regulate chemicals that are hazardous to both human and environmental health.

In Maryland, we also have a special responsibility to preserve the Chesapeake Bay – the natural treasure that connects our communities and powers our regional economy.  As a leader of the Chesapeake Bay Task Force, Congressman Sarbanes has spearheaded efforts in Congress to secure critical funding for conservation, restoration and recreation initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  This year’s bipartisan federal budget bill – passed with Congressman Sarbanes’ support – included historic investments to improve the health of the Bay, the species that live within it and the ecosystem of its surrounding communities.  Congressman Sarbanes also authored the No Child Left Inside Act – which became law in 2016 – to promote outdoor learning and teach children to be environmental stewards.

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Congressman Sarbanes has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Energy and the City of Baltimore to create a new solar energy workforce training program -- a win-win that helps homeowners reduce utility costs while training workers to enter a dynamic growth industry.

Congressman Sarbanes has been endorsed by The Sierra Club. He has a lifetime score of 97% from the League of Conservation Voters and has earned a 100% rating from Defenders of Wildlife.