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Washington DC Office:
2263 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Ph.: 202-225-5161
Fax: 202-225-5163
District Offices:
Marin Office:
1050 Northgate Drive
Suite 354
San Rafael, CA. 94903
Ph.: 415-507-9554
Fax: 415-507-9601
Sonoma Office:
1101 College Avenue
Suite 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Ph.: 707-542-7182
Fax: 707-542-2745
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| Environment | | | |
| PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
The natural treasures of Marin and Sonoma counties remind us every day of the beauty and the fragility of our environment. This has instilled in our community a strong ethic of caring for our planet. Here’s an update on my work to bring that commitment from the North Bay to the halls of Congress.
PROTECTING OUR COAST
While the Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries protect the coast of Marin, most of the Sonoma Coast is still vulnerable to oil spills and land based pollution. Placing the entire coast into the National Marine Sanctuary system will permanently protect our shoreline and coastal waters from oil development for future generations to enjoy. That is why I introduced H.R. 1187, which would permanently protect the entire Sonoma and southern Mendocino Coasts by expanding the existing boundaries of the Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. By protecting the entire Sonoma County coast, the southern Mendocino Coast, and estuaries, the bill will honor the Bodega Marine Laboratory investment in marine research, jobs that are dependent on a tourist economy, and sports fishing. And, because the bill will protect fish habitat from pollution and destruction it will also protect the livelihoods of commercial fishermen. This bill has passed the House and awaits consideration in the Senate.
FIGHTING GLOBAL WARMING
It has now become clear to many people across the country what we in the North Bay have known for a long time. We have to invest in clean, renewable energy sources to ensure that the Earth will remain habitable for future generations. That’s why I am so proud of the energy package, H.R. 3321, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act that was passed by the House on August 4, 2007 by a vote of 241-172. This is a comprehensive bill that expands research and development in renewable fuel technology while protecting our environment, reduces carbon emissions, creates green jobs, protects consumers, increases clean renewable energy production, and modernizes our energy infrastructure.
Locally, I have secured funds for geothermal power at the Geysers, natural gas buses, and the “green building that teaches,” the Environmental Technology Center at Sonoma State University. You can be sure that I will continue to make finding lasting solutions to global warming a priority.
THE RUSSIAN RIVER CHALLENGE
In order to prevent further discharge into the Russian River, I introduced H.R. 716, The Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Act, which passed the House in July 2007. The Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse bill is a big step in the right direction for the City of Santa Rosa. Under the reuse plan, the City of Santa Rosa will use recycled water for landscape irrigation, allowing the City to conserve valuable fresh water for human consumption and for watershed preservation and enhancement. This project can help the City of Santa Rosa make great strides in its water reuse program and give the City the opportunity to help endangered species and protect the Russian River from further discharge.
Our ability to protect the Russian River and its wildlife will have a lasting impact on our region’s water supply, restoration of threatened salmon and steelhead trout, and the quality of life in the North Bay for generations to come. Community members are meeting the challenge, and assisted by federal funds, are restoring many of the River’s tributaries. At the same time, the Russian River Watershed Council, composed of local residents and representatives from public agencies, are developing a comprehensive, long-term strategy to save the river.
That’s why I’m proud to have secured almost $6 million in federal funding for restoring the Russian River watershed and ecosystem. This includes a federal funding to restoring Russian River tributaries, including the Prince Greenway and the rest of lower Santa Rosa Creek, and to study the Laguna de Santa Rosa for both flood management and wetlands restoration. And, as we restore our salmon and steelhead fisheries, I have opposed new wastewater discharges and insisted that decisions affecting the Russian River's flow regime be backed by the best science available.
BAY WETLANDS: RESTORING A VANISHING ECOSYSTEM
Human development and suburban growth have caused the loss of 90% of the wetlands that once surrounded the San Francisco Bay. Over time, we have come to understand that the benefits of restoring these areas are cleaner water in the Bay as well as the return of native plant and wildlife species.
Since coming to Congress, supporting restoration of San Pablo Bay wetlands has been a priority beginning with pioneering projects at the Sonoma Baylands and Tolay Creek. In the works are several other projects vital to restoring our bay wetlands:
Hamilton Field – About 600 acres of the former air base are being restored to bay wetlands using clean dredge materials from the nearby Bel Marin Keys community and from the Port of Oakland. Another 1000 acres will be added to the project with a congressional authorization.
Skaggs Island – Along with state and federal agencies and conservation groups, I drafted a bill to authorize the transfer of this 3,500-acre former Naval base to be included in the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The House approved an amendment I introduced to the Defense Authorization bill to begin the transfer process.
(updated Sept. 2008) |
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