Energy and Environment
Information regarding my stance on Energy and Environment issues.
A joint release said this season could be worse than the unprecedented 2020 season. Their letter said, "As you know, Oregon, and the rest of the West, experienced an unprecedented and destructive wildfire season in 2020. More than 50,000 fires burned 10 million acres with fires lasting well into the fall". The letter said that already fire and smoke have threatened the health and safety of several communities in Oregon. Delegation members included Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici and Cliff Bentz.
Suzanne Bonamici, US Representative for Oregon's 1st congressional district said: "The ocean covers more than 70% of the surface of our planet and we can capture the power of its waves, currents and tides to help power our homes, buildings and communities. "As we transition to a 100% clean energy economy, marine energy has tremendous potential as one of the last untapped renewable energy sources. Federal investment will help unlock it.
Reps. Bonamici and Dan Young (R-AK) introduced the BLUE GLOBE (Bolstering Longterm Understanding and Exploration of the Great Lakes, Oceans, Bays, and Estuaries) that would reauthorize a NOAA program dedicated to researching and addressing workforce shortages in the "blue economy."
Science is back, and we have the momentum to take bold climate action. The ocean must be part of the solution. As congressional leaders on ocean issues, we have witnessed how the climate crisis is affecting both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Off the North Coast of Oregon, changes in ocean conditions and acidifying waters threaten many fisheries. Salmon, one of the iconic species of the region, struggle as waters become more acidic.