Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Watson voted in favor of legislation that will help protect our air, clean up our waters, and restore our public lands. The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations conference report emphasizes reducing pollution in our air and water, cleaning up dangerous toxic waste sites, encouraging energy efficiency, and promoting the development of renewable clean energy sources. The bill also reduces or eliminates 55 programs to maintain fiscal responsibility.

“This nation’s legacy lies in its magnificent natural resources,” said Rep. Watson. “And with this bill, we can make real progress to clean up our water sources, encourage the development of clean, efficient energy sources, and help restore the splendor of our lakes, forests and parks.”

The bill takes significant steps to reduce pollution in our water and air, and provides aid to nearly 1,500 communities to improve their drinking water and wastewater systems. It also provides funding to clean up dangerous toxic waste sites, and gives the EPA the tools it needs to study the impact of toxins and pollution on children.

“Our environment has a direct impact on the health and safety of our kids and our families,” said Rep. Watson. “By passing this legislation, we can make sure our kids are drinking clean water and breathing clean air. There is no higher priority than protecting their health.”

To support our national security objectives and economic recovery efforts, the legislation makes investments in key climate change research, including research in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging consumer energy efficiency, and encouraging the production of clean, renewable American energy. To help Americans save money and make wise environmental decisions, the bill allocates $51 million for the EPA’s successful Energy Star Program – which already saves consumers $14 billion a year in energy costs. The bill also dedicates funds toward the development of renewable clean energy sources on federal lands and water.

“The future of our country and our planet depends on the investments we make today, and I am proud to say that with the passage of this legislation we can all look forward to a cleaner, greener tomorrow,” said Rep. Watson.