PennEnvironment and Environment America Endorse Chris Carney

PennEnvironment is partnering with Environment America to endorse Chris Carney for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives.  Congressman Carney has been a consistent supporter of the environment, and is committed to further action for environmental protection once he returns to Congress. PennEnvironment and Environment America believe the 10th district race is important for strengthening the pro-environment majority for the 111th Congressional session and enabling us to bring about much needed change in environmental policy. Reelecting Representative Carney is essential for moving America forward on energy policy and stimulating national action on critical environmental issues such as global warming.

Congressman Carney has served Pennsylvania’s 10th district in the U.S. Congress since last year, and it is his pro-environment voting record while in Congress that gives us confidence that Rep. Carney will continue to vote for and champion important environmental legislation once he returns to Washington, D.C. 

In Congress, Rep. Carney has proven to be a staunch supporter of environmental legislation that promotes a new energy future and will protect Pennsylvania’s natural environment and recreational areas. He was a proud supporter of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which increases automobile fuel efficiency, provides historic investments in sustainable biofuels, cuts global warming pollution and will reduce U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030. An enthusiastic ally in the fight against global warming, Rep. Carney supports setting a cap on global warming pollutants.[1] Congressman Carney also voted to end subsidies for the big oil companies.[2] 

Congressman Carney’s opponent does not have a dependable commitment to the environment.  He supports drilling off our shores and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and encourages America’s continued dependence on expensive, dangerous and dirty energy sources like nuclear and coal power.[3] Further, he does not feel that global warming legislation is a priority of the United States Congress.  Contrary to the best available science, he does not recognize the need for an 80 percent reduction in global warming pollution in the United States by 2050.[4] 

This race is important because it can play a major role in building a pro-environment majority in Congress.  With powerful special interests, lobbyists for polluting industries, and a handful of anti-environmental votes in Congress blocking necessary reforms, Pennsylvania needs representatives willing to stand up for solutions to our energy problems and the challenge of global warming.

PennEnvironment believes that Rep. Carney will continue to be one of the important leaders in our nation’s capital who will take on these difficult issues and enact meaningful reforms.  He has the experience, commitment and leadership essential to move Congress toward environmental solutions. Accordingly, PennEnvironment and Environment America support Chris Carney for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives.

[1] http://carney.house.gov/environment.shtml
[2] Congressional Scorecard 2008
[3] http://chrishackettforcongress.com/EnergyCenter/files/EnergyVotersGuideCarney-FINAL.pdf
[4] http://chrishackettforcongress.com/EnergyCenter/files/EnergyVotersGuideCarney-FINAL.pdf