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Ed O'Brien on Protecting Our Environment
Ed O'Brien has articulated his position on a number of critical issues.
Natural
Resources and Forests
Fuel
Efficiency
Pennsylvania's Solid Waste
Burden
Sprawl
Clean Water
Trade and the Environment
Ed will sponsor and work for legislation that protects our natural resources, battle against efforts to weaken existing environmental legislation, and be a voice in Congress on behalf of conservation. When elected to Congress, Ed will focus on energy, regulation of interstate landfills, sprawl, clean water, and the impact of trade on the environment.
Ed on Natural Resources and Forests
"Investing in energy efficiency will better our future and eliminate attempts to drill for oil in our nation's fragile habitats. Protecting our natural resources, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and our wild forests from exploitation is also essential. We must protect our remaining pristine national forests. We need to ensure that future development is effectively managed and does not threaten our environment. Currently, laws allow new industry to develop in roadless forest areas, including Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. We can't allow the big industries to threaten our wildlife, change our quality of life, and limit our outdoor recreational activities."
Ed on Fuel Efficiency
"Developing cleaner methods of energy generation guarantees a productive, healthy, future for all Americans. We need to drive our favorite cars, trucks and SUVs farther on a gallon of gas. The truth is we don't have to give up our choice of vehicles. The auto technology exists to provide more miles per gallon for cars, trucks and SUVs. This will give us savings at the gas station, cut pollution and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Higher miles per gallon will save consumers billions of dollars and we can phase in new standards over the next decade. We all know that the war on terrorism has something to do with the problem of foreign oil imports. America needs better gas mileage in our cars, thereby saving oil and the lives of our nation's Armed Forces."
Ed on Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Burden
"Pennsylvania now imports 52% of its disposed solid waste and the figure is growing each year. I will work with Washington and Harrisburg to eliminate trash from classification as an interstate commodity. Our state is not producing the majority of trash, and we certainly aren't using it for any useful purpose! If federal laws were changed, states like NJ and NY wouldn't be dumping their trash on us and they'd be making stronger efforts to reduce waste. Large landfills impact our communities and put strains on our local roads and infrastructure. We must send a message to Congress to limit the amount out-of-state waste in our landfills."
Ed on Sprawl
"Sprawl is one of the great threats to the quality of life in our region and our environment. It negatively affects land conservation, water quality and availability, as well as efforts to conserve energy, further depleting limited fossil fuel resources. Addressing the issue of sprawl is one of economic development and forward looking planning. Existing, developed spaces can be better utilized through smart planning. We can make better use of current infrastructure and roads to limit expansion into green areas. I will be vigilant in using federal funds for smart growth in existing areas while eliminating subsidies that encourage sprawl development."
Ed O'Brien on Clean Water
"I believe the earth's water supply is one of our most precious, finite resources which we must cooperatively work to protect. Accountability for the fouling of our national waters is clearly a priority. Pollution doesn't respect any boundary. Safe, clean drinking water is a necessity for healthy families. I believe federal legislation is an appropriate way to address these concerns."
Ed O'Brien on Trade and the Environment
"I support fair trade between countries. We live in a global society and rely on international trade to fuel our economy. However, trade must be fair, and countries need to respect rules if they want to trade with us. One of the areas in which rules are most needed is environmental protection. People all over the world are entitled a clean environment and a healthy work place."
Click here to read Ed O'Brien's speech when endorsed by the Sierra Club
