Energy & Environment
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My approach is straightforward: lower utility costs for working and middle-class families, strengthen grid reliability, promote American energy independence, and protect the clean air, clean water, and natural beauty that make the Hudson Valley such a great place to live. Whether it’s advocating for an all-of-the-above energy strategy, pushing to rebuild Indian Point, streamlining permitting for critical infrastructure projects, or advancing bipartisan efforts to address extreme heat and protect our watershed and the Appalachian Trail, I’ve focused my efforts on delivering practical solutions that directly benefit our communities. Below is some of the work I’m doing to make energy more affordable and reliable while protecting our environment.
Since my first day in Congress, I’ve supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy that strengthens our electric grid, promotes American energy independence, lowers costs, and protects our environment. That means investing in nuclear, natural gas, hydropower, renewables, and other reliable energy sources. A strong energy future requires dependable baseload power alongside renewable energy, so families aren’t left paying higher bills or dealing with an unreliable grid. Natural gas remains an important part of New York’s energy mix and has helped reduce carbon emissions by replacing coal. Blocking pipelines and banning responsible domestic production only drives up prices and forces us to depend on energy produced elsewhere, often under weaker environmental standards. I’ve also called for rebuilding and reopening the Indian Point Nuclear Energy Center. Before it closed, Indian Point provided clean, reliable, carbon-free electricity that helped keep costs down and our grid stable. Its closure contributed to higher electricity prices for millions of New Yorkers. Bringing it back is a common-sense way to improve reliability and help lower energy costs. Lowering Energy Costs and Strengthening Reliability Hudson Valley families pay some of the highest energy bills in the country, and that’s unacceptable. That’s why I introduced the Energy Affordability and Reliability Act, which would establish an Office of Energy Affordability within the Department of Energy. The office would evaluate how federal energy policies affect household costs and grid reliability, making affordability a key part of every major energy decision. I’ve also supported bipartisan permitting reform to modernize the approval process, expand our electric grid, and bring reliable domestic energy projects online more quickly. Critical infrastructure projects in our region have faced unnecessary delays that increase costs for families and businesses alike. Protecting Our Environment Protecting the Hudson Valley’s environment goes hand in hand with building a stronger energy future. I’ve co-led the NJ-NY Watershed Protection Act to create dedicated funding to protect the Hudson River for future generations. I've also supported efforts to improve air quality, reduce emissions, expand recycling and composting, and address PFAS contamination affecting veterans, first responders, and communities across the country. I also supported New York's Environmental Bond Act, which invests in climate resilience, clean air, clean water, and critical environmental infrastructure. I’ve been a strong advocate for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which provides critical funding for parks, open space, outdoor recreation, and land conservation across the country, including right here in the Hudson Valley. I’ve led bipartisan efforts to protect the full $900 million in annual funding guaranteed under the Great American Outdoors Act, ensured greater accountability and transparency in how those dollars are spent, and fought to make sure Hudson Valley projects receive the support they need. LWCF investments help preserve open space, expand public access to the outdoors, and strengthen local economies. Addressing Extreme Heat As Republican Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Extreme Heat Caucus, I’ve worked to raise awareness and advance practical solutions to one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in America. Extreme heat claims more lives each year than any other weather event and poses a growing threat to public health, critical infrastructure, and communities in the Hudson Valley and nationwide. That’s why I’ve worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce a bipartisan legislative package that would:
Appalachian National Scenic Trail Caucus I also serve as Co-Chair of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Caucus. Nearly fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail run through our district, and protecting this national treasure is a priority for me. I’ve joined colleagues from both parties to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Appalachian Trail Centennial Act. This legislation strengthens the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage the Trail, recognizes the critical role of organizations like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and helps ensure the Trail remains protected and accessible for generations to come. I'll continue fighting for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps energy affordable, strengthens our grid, protects the Hudson Valley’s natural resources, and delivers the reliable energy our communities deserve. |