Survey of 2014 Senate campaign websites: on Environment


Emily Sanchez: The Earth sustains all life processes

The Texas Green Party has 10 key values that serve as guiding principles. Some of you may already be familiar with them but I will be sharing them one at a time for all others who are possibly just now being introduced to this political party.

Day 1- Ecological Wisdom: We recognize that the Earth sustains all life processes. Green ecology understands the common roots of the abuse of nature, the abuse of animals, and the abuse of people. Whatever we do to the web of life, we do to ourselves.

Source: 2014 Texas Senate campaign website on Facebook.com Sep 18, 2014

Al Franken: Prevent invasive species Asian carp in Great Lakes

Asian carp are an invasive species that pose a major threat to the ecosystem and fisheries of the Great Lakes. The invasive carp have been traveling up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers for decades, and experts fear that if they reach the Great Lakes they will devastate the ecology and fisheries of the region.

Senator Franken supports immediate action to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, including the possibility of closing the locks in Chicago that could allow passage of the Asian carp into Lake Michigan. He is a cosponsor of the Stop Asian Carp Act (S. 471), which would direct the Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate action to prevent the potential entry of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. He also supports robust funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Asian carp management initiative to support strong actions to keep the Asian carp out of Lake Superior.

Source: 2014 Minnesota Senate campaign website, franken.senate.gov Sep 1, 2014

Allen Weh: Balance between conservation and welfare of human beings

New Mexico has some of the most beautiful land in the entire country. While we absolutely need to preserve and protect this land, we are obligated to find a responsible balance between necessary conservation efforts and the welfare of human beings struggling to make a living in a state that is largely rural.

While most Dona Ana County residents support an Organ Mountains National Monument, most did not agree with our two senators on skirting the legislative process with an executive order. In a recent poll they favored legislation that focused on protecting the Organ Mountains proper by 73 to 18 percent, and rejected the idea of restrictions being placed on an additional 700 square miles of land throughout the county, as proposed in Udall's bill. This bill was considered the model for Obama's executive order.

The federal government needs less control of less land, not more. This is federal government overreach at its worst.

Source: 2014 New Mexico Senate campaign website, AllenWeh.com Sep 1, 2014

Gordon Ball: No one has the right to pollute America's air and water

No one has the right to pollute America's air and water. Not business, not industry, and not even TVA. When a manufacturer or factory uses the land, we must demand that they put the land they used back into the same condition it was when they found it. You can depend on me as Senator to continue what I've done all my life--fight polluters.

I grew up on the Pigeon River and saw first hand what paper companies have been doing to the river and Tennessee communities for a century. I've sued them over and over again to force them to clean up the river or pay landowners.

TVA has done a lot for Tennessee. But TVA is also one of the worst polluters in America. For instance, we've had an environmental disaster at the TVA Kingston Steam plant, when fly-ash was allowed to accumulate to dangerous levels. I'll press the EPA to pursue polluters--whether it's TVA or a paper mill--and bring them to justice. As your Senator, I will fight polluters, regardless of who they are or where they are located.

Source: 2014 Tennessee Senate campaign website, GordonBallSenate.com Aug 7, 2014

Nels Mitchell: Committed to protecting our unique outdoor heritage

Idaho is an outdoor state. Most of us like to hunt, fish and take our kids hiking and camping. I am committed to protecting our unique heritage so that future generations of Idahoans can have the same access to recreational opportunities that you and I enjoy today. I will strongly oppose any effort to sell off our public lands.
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com Jul 1, 2014

Brad Hutto: We must do more to protect our natural resources

As an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Brad knows that we must do more to protect our natural resources. From the mountains to the lakes, to the coast, South Carolina is blessed with a unique beauty that generates tourism and creates jobs. Brad will fight against those who would do harm for their own short term goals.
Source: 2014 S.C. Senate campaign website, BradHutto.com Jun 25, 2014

Greg Orman: We can protect our environment AND create jobs

In Washington today one side says we must protect our environment no matter what impact it will have on our economy. The other side says doing anything at all will cost us jobs and is therefore unacceptable. Both sides have dug in and don't believe there's any basis for cooperation.

The truth is this is a false choice, and I know it because as a businessman I did both. The first company I ever started, Environmental Lighting Concepts, designed and installed energy efficient lighting systems for commercial and industrial buildings.

Our company created jobs, helped the environment, protected natural resources, and made money for our customers. We used the opportunity to cut energy and ultimately help the environment as a good business decision.

Source: 2014 Kansas Senate campaign website, OrmanForSenate.com Jun 17, 2014

Bruce Skarin: Account for polluting our commons

As stewards of our planet we must have an environment that does not get pushed to the brink of collapse by an energy policy that is, vulnerable to conflict, dependent upon a finite resource, and that will only get more costly and risky to extract.

We can ensure a more sustainable future by taking risk seriously, by correcting market distortions that do not account for polluting our commons, and by transitioning to renewable sources that will only get cheaper and more efficient.

As Senator, I will help lead the way on this issue, making sure that we have truly independent and comprehensive solutions that strengthen our economy and protect our planet for generations to come.

Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, bruce2014.org "Our Issues" Mar 31, 2014

Monica Wehby: Fisherman, miners, and loggers need a partner in D.C.

Monica has traveled all across Oregon meeting with farmers, fisherman, ranchers, miners, and loggers. These hard-working Americans have seen their industries and their jobs decimated by a federal government they believe is not on their side.

Dr. Wehby believes that we need leaders in D.C. who will take a truly balanced approach when it comes to protecting our state's jobs and natural resources. The Federal government telling our state we can't use our timber resources is like telling Texans they can't drill for oil. There is a human cost to over-regulation that comes from a federal bureaucracy in Washington D.C. that doesn't seem to care about the impact that their policies have on working families.

The people who live in these areas have been good stewards of their lands for generations. They are not looking to harm the environments they live in. They just want an honest partner in D.C. that isn't looking to take away their right to work.

Source: 2014 Ore. Senate campaign website, www.MonicaForOregon.com Mar 18, 2014

David Clements: Stop federal regulations which take over farming & property

Whether it's our world famous green chile, thriving pecan industry, dairies or cattle ranches, New Mexico has one of the most diverse agricultural economies in the country. Our state's farmers and ranchers represent the best in innovation, entrepreneurship and stewardship.

The future success of New Mexico farmers and ranchers are endangered, however, when the government seeks to take over agricultural production with needless, uninformed and often overly burdensome regulations.

Similarly, the government must respect the private property rights of farmers and ranchers and empower them to make decisions about the most productive use of their principal asset, which is their land. Decisions about how to run farms and ranches should not be made by out-of-touch bureaucrats in Washington.

Source: 2014 N.M. Senate campaign website, ClementsForNM.com Feb 18, 2014

Terri Lynn Land: As a conservative, I believe in conservation

Many people incorrectly believe that environmental protection and conservation are issues that only the political left cares about. As a conservative, I believe in conservation--whether it is the preservation of our nation's traditions or the protection of our state's natural resources. That is the essence of true conservatism.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, www.TerriLynnLand.com Jan 20, 2014

Dan Sullivan: Challenge NPS for infringing rights on federal lands

Sullivan has focused efforts to ensure that Alaskans get more access to both state and federal lands. As Attorney General, he challenged National Park Service regulations that infringed on Alaska's navigable waters and overbroad assertions of federal reserved rights in Alaska waters. He also helped defend the rights of an Alaskan after an encounter with federal officials by challenging the authority of federal officials to bring criminal charges against the individual while traveling on Alaska waters

As DNR Commissioner, his agency worked closely with the Department of Law to research and litigate state rights-of-ways and RS 2477s through DNR's public access assertion and defense (PADD) unit.

As Attorney General, he worked closely with the leaders of the Northwest Arctic Borough to ensure that Outside environmental groups would not shut down the Red Dog mine.

Source: 2014 Senate campaign website Sullivan2014.com "Accomplish" Dec 5, 2013

Andy Martin: Challenged impoundment federal spending for water pollution

In 2013 Andy Martin celebrated 44 years as a public interest lawyer at the national and state levels. A partial list of examples follow:

Water Pollution: In 1972, Andy filed the first federal court lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois challenging "impoundment" of federal spending for water pollution control by the President Nixon. The U.S. Supreme Court later upheld his legal theories.

Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, AndyMartin.com, "Bio" Dec 1, 2013

Randy Baumgardner: Opposes taking of private property

Source: 2014 Senate campaign website randybaumgardner.com Nov 22, 2013

Shenna Bellows: Supports recycling & conservation passionately

Shenna is passionate about the environment and science. She worked as a research assistant for several summers during high school and college at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory. She worked for the campus recycling program at Middlebury College, and today she serves on the Manchester Conservation Commission.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, BellowsForSenate.com, "About" Nov 14, 2013

Cory Booker: Green space; green housing; green jobs

In the Sustainability Action Plan, we:
  • Raised funds for and executed the largest parks and green-space expansion in Newark in over a century;
  • Created a program that trained Newark youth in home weatherization and then placed them in jobs that paid a living wage to do the work in our neighborhoods;
  • Built over 400 units of green affordable housing;
  • Secured $1.5 million for a major campaign to expand Newark's tree canopy to reduce the urban heat island effect;
  • Pushed successfully for an agreement among state, Port Authority, and private sector leaders to install a new "baghouse filter" on the Covanta Energy facility that will reduce emissions of particulate matter by almost 200 tons per year;
  • Partnered to begin clean up of the Passaic River, one of the nation's most serious Superfund sites;
  • Created acres of urban farms that now provide fresh produce to underserved neighborhoods.
    Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com Nov 3, 2013

    Liz Cheney: Oppose intrusive practices of the EPA

    After President Obama took office and the dangerous direction of his administration became clear, Liz founded Keep America Safe, a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the United States secure from terrorist threats. A strong conservative voice, she appears frequently on television drawing attention to the threats to liberty posed by the Obama administration, from its use of the IRS to target political opponents to its effort to limit our second amendment rights. As a Fox News Contributor, Liz appeared numerous times as a guest-host for Sean Hannity and spoke out on a number of topics, including the intrusive practices of the Environmental Protection Agency, which recently released private information about thousands of ranchers and farmers
    Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, cheneyforwyoming.com, "About" Oct 9, 2013

    Rick Weiland: 2003: Introduced first green commercial construction code

    Work with the International Code Council (ICC): In 2003, Rick became the COO, and later the CEO, for the ICC, which is the nation's leading advocate for uniform building codes and building safety with an annual operating budget of $50 million and a staff of 300.

    As CEO, Rick spearheaded efforts to create the nation's first green construction code for commercial buildings and a standard for residential structures. This code was published in 2012 and has already been adopted in several states and communities. Rick traveled extensively to promote responsible and sustainable building codes and practices. He spoke with numerous municipalities and other governmental agencies all over the United States and the world. He was invited by the Chinese government to speak to officials regarding the implementation of safer and more sustainable building codes. In Haiti, Rick worked with government officials following the devastating 2010 earthquake.

    Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, rickweiland.com, "Priorities" Oct 9, 2013

    Steve Stockman: Our timber, our money: more harvest means more school funds

    Rep. Steve Stockman voted Friday for the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act (HR 1526,) which pumps new revenues, without tax hikes, into rural schools through timber harvesting. "Southeast Texas harvests more timber than Oregon. It's about time the federal government shared that revenue with our local communities and the people who harvest it," said Stockman. "Our timber, our money. We're delivering long-term funding for generations of Southeast Texas kids, without raising taxes. I encourage the Senate and President Obama to support it."

    The bill establishes at least one Forest Reserve Revenue Area within each unit of the National Forest System designated for the sale of trees. Local counties would get 25% of the revenues from those timber sales. Stockman's vote means more funding for schools, roads and critical county services in rural areas. "Timber built Southeast Texas and now timber can be a steady and reliable way to keep us growing," said Stockman.

    Source: 2014 Senate campaign website press release, "Our timber" Sep 20, 2013

    Champ Edmunds: Put states in charge of predator control, not federal

    As a hunter, I know firsthand the impact of federal intervention on our wildlife policies. I will work to put the states in charge of their own predator populations.

    The Tenth Amendment is clear, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." The Federal Government has over-stepped its power in almost every aspect of governance.

    Source: 2014 Senate campaign website www.champ2014.com, "Issues" Jun 6, 2013

    Corey Stapleton: Promote & protect agriculture, farming & ranching lifestyle

    One of Montana's competitive advantages is our vast agricultural and ranch land. Not only is our heritage tied to the land, but our future will be blessed by it. As the world population continues to grow, and food distribution technologies continue to improve, we are poised to provide world-class food products to a world-wide market. I strongly support the farming and ranching lifestyle and see tremendous opportunity in manufacturing (value-added) agricultural products. I served on the Montana senate Agriculture committee for years and I enjoy promoting and protecting the lifestyles
    Source: 2014 Senate campaign website www.coreystapleton.com: Issues Jun 6, 2013

    Joe Miller: Stop cramming animal rights agenda onto Alaskan dog racing

    The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) seems to be pursuing an increasingly fringe agenda to cram its animal rights agenda down throats of every American.This time, PETA complains that Iditarod volunteers and a Fairbanks musher should face criminal charges because her dog died while awaiting transport. The musher's dog was "dropped" at the Unalakleet checkpoint and the musher continued on to Nome. A storm hit Unalakleet; Iditarod volunteers then placed her dog, as well as a number of others that had been dropped, in an area protected from wind. Transportation for the dogs was delayed by the storm, several were buried by the snowfall, and the musher's dog died. There's absolutely no evidence of criminal intent.

    But here's the kicker: PETA hypocritically slaughtered 90% of the cats and dogs brought to one of its "rescue" facilities last year. PETA's hypocrisy reflects how morally bankrupt the group really is. Alaskans should reject its meddling in the Last Frontier.

    Source: 2014 Senate campaign website joemmiller.us "Message to PETA" Mar 22, 2013

    • The above quotations are from Survey of 2014 Senate campaign websites.
    • Click here for definitions & background information on Environment.
    • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
    • Click here for more quotes by Karen Handel on Environment.
    • Click here for more quotes by Mead Treadwell on Environment.
    Candidates and political leaders on Environment:

    Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:
    GA:Chambliss(R)
    IA:Harkin(D)
    MI:Levin(D)
    MT:Baucus(D)
    NE:Johanns(R)
    OK:Coburn(R)
    SD:Johnson(D)
    WV:Rockefeller(D)

    Resigned from 113th House:
    AL-1:Jo Bonner(R)
    FL-19:Trey Radel(R)
    LA-5:Rod Alexander(R)
    MA-5:Ed Markey(D)
    MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R)
    NC-12:Melvin Watt(D)
    SC-1:Tim Scott(R)
    Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:
    AR-4:Tom Cotton(R)
    GA-1:Jack Kingston(R)
    GA-10:Paul Broun(R)
    GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R)
    HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D)
    IA-1:Bruce Braley(D)
    LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R)
    ME-2:Mike Michaud(D)
    MI-14:Gary Peters(D)
    MT-0:Steve Daines(R)
    OK-5:James Lankford(R)
    PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D)
    TX-36:Steve Stockman(R)
    WV-2:Shelley Capito(R)
    Retired House as of Jan. 2015:
    AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R)
    AR-2:Tim Griffin(R)
    CA-11:George Miller(D)
    CA-25:Howard McKeon(R)
    CA-33:Henry Waxman(D)
    CA-45:John Campbell(R)
    IA-3:Tom Latham(R)
    MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R)
    NC-6:Howard Coble(R)
    NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D)
    NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R)
    NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D)
    NY-21:Bill Owens(D)
    PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R)
    UT-4:Jim Matheson(D)
    VA-8:Jim Moran(D)
    VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
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    Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018