Environment

We face many difficult challenges ahead, such as climate change, which is one of the most important issues facing our country and the world.  In fact, if left unchecked, climate change will seriously harm our environment, our economy, and our way of life, threatening the fragile San Joaquin Delta ecosystem and the availability of fresh water for drinking and agriculture.

The fight against global warming is closely linked to the fight for cleaner air, which is a particular problem in the Central Valley.  Too many children in San Joaquin County are exposed to pollutants in the air leading to respiratory problems, including high rates of asthma.

I believe conservation and enhancement of our natural resources need not come at the expense of growth.  We can protect open spaces and create partnerships between business and environmental interests that can lead to the success of both.  In fact, in my fight to expand the use of renewable energy technologies and improve automobile efficiency, resulting in less burning of pollution-causing fossil fuels, there is tremendous economic and job growth potential.

We are lucky to live in a region that is so blessed with natural beauty.  It is important that we do all we can to preserve these important resources, not just for our physical health, but for our quality of life.  We owe it to our children and grandchildren – to leave the world a better place than we found it.  Imagine what life would be like in California without the parks and open spaces that preserve our natural wilderness for recreation and enjoyment.  That is why I fought for funding to help clean up mercury runoff on Mt. Diablo and will always fight to prohibit oil drilling off California’s pristine coast.

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