I have long been a leading voice in Congress for environmental protection and wise use of our precious natural resources.
With over 300 miles of coastline in New York’s First Congressional District, I understand that a clean environment is vital for eastern Long Island’s economy. From leading the charge against misguided efforts to reward heavy industry at the expense of our environment, to bringing back needed federal dollars to preserve open space and preserve our beaches, I am working hard to ensure that future generations will have clean air and water in perpetuity.
I’ve brought investments to our environment.
As the ranking member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I was an author of the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act that secured millions in federal funding for Suffolk County’s beaches, harbors and waterways and promotes Long Island’s competitiveness, prosperity, and economic growth. Not only will this legislation protect Long Island’s natural environment but it will also create thousands of jobs. I sponsored legislation to provide tax incentives for conservation as well as bills like the “BEACH Act,” and “The Long Island Sound Restoration Act.”
I’ve secured over $35 million to preserve our beaches and protect our waterways.
I work closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to advance projects like dredging Shinnecock Inlet, Lake Montauk Harbor and Moriches Inlet ahead of schedule to ensure that the local fishing and maritime industries have access to these important harbors. I am very proud to have led the fight that successfully blocked the “Broadwater” proposal, which would have placed an enormous and volatile liquid natural gas terminal in the middle of Long Island Sound.
I received a 94% lifetime score from The League of Conservation Voters.
The LCV advocates for sound environmental laws and policies and holds elected officials accountable for their votes and actions. I am proud of my outstanding record of standing up for the environment in Congress. I have been endorsed by the Environmental Voters Forum and the Sierra Club and have also been recognized for these awards:
- 2012 recipient of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Award for Environmental Stewardship awarded by the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA)
- 2009 Sound Guardian Award awarded by the Clean Water/Jobs Coalition.
- 2008 Equinox Award, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
- 2007 American Rivers Award.
- 2005 Nature Conservancy award