What are the most important environmental issues for your district?
Before we get into the interview, I want to take a moment to thank PennEnvironment for giving me this opportunity to talk about the important environmental issues facing our country today. From global climate change, to ending our dependence on foreign oil, to the development of clean alternative energy sources - the challenges we face are daunting but with the help of concerned citizens, like your members, I believe we will succeed.
I am fortunate that in my district, which covers all of Bucks County, parts of Montgomery County and part of Northeast Philadelphia, I have met many people who not only care about the environment but are active in trying to protect it.
Just last November voters took to the polls and voted – by a 2-1 margin - to spend $87 million to preserve open space. This was a great victory for Bucks County as conserving open space is essential to controlling the urban sprawl that not only destroys the natural beauty of places like Bucks County, but also contributes to increased energy use.
Additionally, I am very proud that Bucks County has become a green energy hub and is leading the way for America with advances in wind and solar energy as well as alternative fuels. Already, many green businesses have moved into Bucks County, helping to create, not only clean alternative energy, but also thousands of green collar jobs.
Finally, like most people, the families in my district are very concerned about global climate change. As you know, climate change will have an undetermined impact on the economy, people’s jobs, our food and water supply as well as contribute to a host of other potential problems. It is clear, however, that if we do not take action now, by the time we actually see the effects of global climate change, it will be too late.
Is there a particular policy that you are most proud of sponsoring or that you think is most important?
While I am honored to be part of a Congress that has raised CAFE standards for the first time in 32 years, created a committee devoted to finding answers for global climate change, and protected ANWR from shortsighted exploitation, I think my proudest achievement is the creation of green jobs in Bucks County. When we can tie environmental progress to economic progress, especially for hard working American families, then we can ensure that environmentalism will remain a permanent aspect of American progress.
What do you think sparked your interest and support for environmental issues?
I grew up in the Parkwood section of Northeast Philly and ever since I was a boy, I would go up to Tyler State Park in Bucks County with my father and brother to go fishing and just make the most out of the great outdoors. This left a lasting impression on me and to this day I appreciate and enjoy open spaces. I want to make sure those special places, like Tyler State Park, will still be around for my daughter and her children as well.
What sort of environmental issues were you involved with prior to being elected to Congress?
Before I was elected to Congress – I was a Captain in the U.S. Army. In 2003 and 2004, I was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq where I witnessed first hand the effects of our misguided energy policy, not just at home, but around the world. While I could do little while deployed, as soon as I got back I decided to take action. I teamed up with PennEnvironment to speak out against our dependence on foreign oil and the need for energy independence through investing in renewable energy technologies.
Who are your role models when it comes to the environment?
Because of his dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and his leadership in creating the National Parks System, I've always been inspired by the example of Teddy Roosevelt. One quote in particular shows the true environmental legacy he left our country. He once said "The movement for the conservation of wildlife and the larger movement for the conservation of all our natural resources are essentially democratic in spirit, purpose, and method." This is a great reminder that our environmental movement is powered by concerned citizens and why ordinary people who decide to do their part are the modern-day role models I look to everyday.
What role does an organization like PennEnvironment play in the political process when it comes to environmental issues?
I think that organizations like PennEnvironment are critical to the political process. Having their input and knowing that they serve as advocates for hard working families who are motivated for change, makes their input invaluable. It is also important to have a respected organization like PennEnvironment and its highly informed membership publicly support candidates with strong environmental policies. Their analysis of each candidate’s position carries tremendous weight with voters seeking to cut through political rhetoric.
Why is citizen involvement and activism important when it comes to making environmental policy?
I am a strong believer that when people get involved, they can make a difference. National service is crucial to tackling our nation's problems. That's something I have learned throughout my life from everyone from my father to President Clinton and the importance of service is something I hold close to my heart in everything I do. When people stand up and fight for what they believe in – there is nothing that can stop them. When a citizen says: "I'm tired of polluters ruining our water and our air and I'm going to do something about it" - that it is the force of democracy in action and it is how we have reclaimed our environment from the brink of catastrophe over the last 30 years.
How can your constituents give you input when it comes to the environment?
The fastest way to give me input is to send me an email via my website at www.patrickmurphy.house.gov . Since I was elected, my office has answered over 75,000 pieces of correspondence from the families of Southeastern Pennsylvania and their letters, emails and phone calls really do make a difference. When I am considering important votes and thinking about what is in the best interest of the families I serve, the input I receive can make the difference.
