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
Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced approval of H.R. 5809, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), bipartisan legislation which reauthorizes a diesel emissions reduction program for five years, encouraging production of clean-diesel technology and supporting local jobs.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an additional $69 million to New York in Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) block grant funds—the largest additional sum in the country.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy announced New York will receive $12,793,718 in emergency energy assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding to NYS is formula based and will be distributed to eligible county applicants on a first come first serve basis.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) joined his House of Representatives colleagues in passing H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Act. The Rural Star and Loan Star programs included in this legislation will provide up to 1.6 million homeowners with small loans to make renovations that will improve their energy efficiency and lower their utility bills.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced Chautauqua County will receive $200,000 in Weatherization Assistance Program funding through the U.S. Department of Energy. The federal funds were awarded to Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.(COI), allowing the organization to build on their existing weatherization work.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) sent a letter to the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal calling for the immediate release of federal funds intended to help Western New York residents make improvements to keep their homes warm over the cold winter months.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) fired off a letter to Governor Paterson protesting the State’s latest move to redirect low-cost power out of Western New York. Albany leaders are currently considering proposals to restructure the distribution of low-cost power. One plan would pull 455 megawatts of low-cost hydropower currently providing cheaper electricity rates to upstate residents and redistribute it across the state, at the expense of the local community and our consumers.
Albany, Apr 12--ENrG, Inc., a Buffalo specialty ceramics maker for clean-power applications, has been awarded a $500,000 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) contract to develop components of a system to help significantly reduce emissions and fuel use from idling truck engines.