Faso Goes Beyond the Talking Points, Details Specific Environmental Accomplishments and Discusses More Work to be Done
In a candidate forum focusing on the environment, John Faso, a member of the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, stood out as a proven ‘innovator’ whose record and nuanced views allow him to stand out in the election for New York’s 19th Congressional District.
Since being elected in 2016, Faso has been a staunch advocate for protecting the Upper Delaware River, worked across the aisle to develop solutions to address our climate challenges, and put a halt to anchorages in the Hudson River.
“Innovator or imitator? We’d say innovator, one who has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to join with colleagues across the aisle instead of hewing to his party’s overall anti-climate line.” (Register Star, 03/14/2018)
Champion of the Upper Delaware River
As a result of his consistent advocacy for the Upper Delaware River, John Faso was awarded the Upper Delaware Council Advocacy Award in April 2018.
“…in recognition of Rep. Faso’s exemplary support for sustainability of the Upper Delaware Council during its federal funding crises in Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018, and of the Delaware River Watershed through his sponsorships of bills, resolutions, and funding appropriations.” (Upper Delaware Council, 04/23/2018)
· Faso co-led an effort to increase appropriations to the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program in fiscal year 2019. The funding was increased by 20%.
· Partnered with advocacy groups in the region to introduce a resolution recognizing the natural resource value and growing economic importance of the Upper Delaware River.
Crafting Solutions to our Climate Challenges
Along with Climate Solutions Caucus colleague Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Faso introduced legislation to create a national prize system to spur innovation in issue areas and industries that are crucial in addressing climate change.
· The legislation has garnered support from the National Audubon Society, and seeks to kick start innovation in carbon capture, energy efficiency, and climate resiliency technology.
“America needs bipartisan approaches to climate change like investing in clean energy technology,” said David Yarnold president and CEO of the National Audubon Society after a new climate innovation bill was introduced in Congress. “Our changing climate is the biggest threat facing America’s birds and people. We don’t have time to waste, and we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. It’s time to start with meaningful solutions like this legislation,” Yarnold added. (National Audubon Society, 02/22/2018)
Fighting Anchorages in the Hudson
John Faso included language in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill to ensure Congress is consulted before the Guard goes through with its plan to build anchorages on the Hudson River.
· The Coast Guard had a plan to install ten anchorage points in the Hudson River from Kingston to Yonkers.
“…John Faso (R, NY-19) have secured language in Coast Guard funding legislation in the effort to block the development of barge anchorages between Yonkers and Kingston.” (MidHudsonNews, 05/25/2017)
Land and Water Conservation Fund
John Faso has been a strong advocate for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Namely, he has co-led a letter to the Speaker of the House advocating for a permanent reauthorization of the program and has been a long-time cosponsor of the legislation to do so.
John advocated in the fiscal year 2018 appropriations process for the Boniello parcel of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Pawling to be acquired under LWCF jurisdiction.
· The Trust for Public Land announced in August 2018 that the parcel of land had been acquired.
· “We’re grateful for our tremendous partners, including The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Oblong Land Conservancy, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Faso and the National Park Service for all they’ve done to make this effort a reality.” (Trust for Public Land, 08/02/2018)
Opposing Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
John is one of twelve Republicans to publicly oppose new drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
· He joined eleven of his colleagues in sending a letter to leaders of both chambers of Congress objecting to including the provision to opening a portion of ANWR to drilling in the Federal Tax Reform package.
“Tucked into both bills is a provision that would allow for the opening of a 1.5 million-acre section of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.” (Inside Climate News, 12/02/2017)