Energy and Environment

Today on the House floor, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) led the push by House Democrats to defeat three House Republican bills which would undermine critical progress made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Obama administration’s continued efforts to address climate change. Click here for video of today’s floor speech. Speaking on the rule for consideration of these bills, Congressman McGovern said today’s measures are “yet another pander to big money, fossil fuels, and spec... Read More »

Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) released the following statement after President Obama announced that the Administration was denying the permit for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: “Today, I am pleased to see that President Obama rejected the Keystone tar sands pipeline. I appreciate his continued commitment to investing in clean energy. “Since 2008, the U.S. has doubled the distance our cars will go on a gallon of gas by 2025 and significantly increased the power we generate from ... Read More »

Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) is joining Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi on a Congressional delegation trip to China, departing today and focusing on economic growth, national security and cyber security issues, human rights and the importance of bold action to reduce carbon pollution. “In today’s global world, it is more important than ever for the United States to work with our international partners to tackle the challenges we face,” Congressman McGovern said. “On this trip, I look forward ... Read More »

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) applauded the announcement that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide more than $3 billion in funding for energy assistance, including $133.3 million for Massachusetts. In 2014 alone, 183,009 households in Massachusetts received LIHEAP funding. This comes just days after McGovern joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers calling for the swift release of LIHEAP funding to give families in need access to critical assistance to heat... Read More »

Today Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) hosted the second of a series of meetings with his 2015 Congressional Youth Cabinet at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in Westborough. The event included a presentation about, and tour of, the new Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife net zero field office and a roundtable discussion on the effects of climate change and the possibilities presented by renewable energy sources. “Today’s meeting with our Congressional Youth Cab... Read More »

Tomorrow, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) will host the second of a series of meetings with his 2015 Congressional Youth Cabinet at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in Westborough. The Congressman and his Congressional Youth Cabinet will be treated to a presentation about, and tour of, the new Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife net zero field office and then participate in a roundtable discussion on the effects of climate change and the possibilities presented ... Read More »

PRINCETON, MA – Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) joined the Appalachian Mountain Club, Mass Audubon, and other state and local groups to hike the Midstate Trail to highlight the importance of fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF helps to protect and preserve the Midstate Trail and other sites in Massachusetts and across the country – ensuring families continue to have access to our country’s natural areas. The LWCF is set to expire September 30, 2015 and Co... Read More »

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), a senior House Democrat and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee, spoke on the House floor to urge his colleagues to reject H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, a bill which keeps Americans in the dark about which foods contain GMOs. Watch 2 minute video here. Excerpts from Congressman McGovern’s floor speech today: “Poll after poll shows that an overwhelming majority of the American people favor mandatory... Read More »

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) announced the Massachusetts winners of $148,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Nationwide the USDA will award $6.7 million in grants to 544 energy projects across the country. These awards are part of the USDA’s Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). “Our farmers and small business owners are the lifeblood of our economy. By investing in renewable ener... Read More »

In a victory for Rhode Island families and advocates for environmental protection and historic preservation, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation to make the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Corridor a unit of the National Park System. U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) introduced the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Establishment Act along with co-sponsors Richard E. Neal (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), and James Langevin (D-RI) to preserve the natural and historical significance of important sites along the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Corridor. This legislation was also introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI). Read More »