Environment
Western New Yorkers know too well the painful costs of pollution and other forms of environmental degradation and neglect. Over 30 years ago the Buffalo River was declared biologically dead and ecologically destroyed, and only through a persistent restoration effort was it remediated and shows vastly improved water quality. Brian believes that we must learn from this history to prevent the recurrence of environmental disasters like Love Canal and Tonawanda Coke in our district. His work in Washington, D.C. focuses on the conservation and care for the many precious natural resources here in Western New York. From the Great Lakes, to our waterways, to our parks and natural public spaces, Brian is fighting to ensure the federal policies enacted in Congress help to support a healthy environment and protect those most vulnerable to pollution and exposure to hazardous substances. To achieve these goals of preservation, Brian has been a strong supporter of federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Water Resources Development Act.
More on Environment
The federal government will be launching a pilot program to provide training to veterans seeking jobs in the solar industry and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is urging the U.S. Department of Energy to designate the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station as one of the sites.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is asking the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess a proposal which could transport liquid nuclear waste from Ontario, Canada to a location in South Carolina crossing the Peace Bridge and traveling through Western New York.
“Actions by the New York Power Authority today advanced an acceleration of the cash payments totaling over $13 million to the City of Niagara Falls provided for under the 2005 relicensing of the Niagara Power Project. This serves to meet the immediate needs of Niagara Falls but the City deserves much better.
Congressman Brian Higgins, along with over 90 of his House of Representatives colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius urging the Department to immediately release the maximum amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is investing a total of $700,000 in two Buffalo-area companies that are developing environmentally-friendly technologies that generate electricity while reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Congressman Higgins released the following statement after reports of high public demand for help offered through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Today marks the first day New Yorkers can apply for HEAP.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced he is an original cosponsor of the Low Income Heating Improvement Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Tom Reed (NY-29) and also cosponsored by Congressmembers Kathy Hochul (NY-26) and Louise Slaughter (NY-28), to ensure that Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds are directed first to cold-weather states.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) took to the Floor of the House of Representatives to oppose a move that will slash heating assistance for seniors this winter. Last week Higgins sent a letter to leaders of the House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services & Education calling for cuts to be restored. He is also joining his colleagues on the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition in opposition to the Home En