Clean water, clean air and protecting our natural treasures are among my top priorities in the Senate. This includes moving the United States toward energy independence within a decade, reducing global warming, and helping to restore and protect Maryland's greatest natural resource: the Chesapeake Bay.

As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I continue to champion energy legislation that will create clean jobs while also tackling climate change head-on. As the Senate takes up landmark legislation to address climate change, I will be in the forefront of efforts to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil while reducing greenhouse gas pollution. By capping carbon pollution and using free market incentives, we can slash pollution levels while investing in a host of clean energy technologies, improving "Green Building" standards to reduce energy consumption, and investing in the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles.

I also have...

• Taken over as chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee on the Environment and Public Works Committee, where I have led the efforts to modernize and reinvigorate our Clean Water laws.



• Authored the Water Infrastructure Financing Act, authorizing nearly $35 billion of the next five years for wastewater and drinking water upgrades around the country. This bipartisan bill was approved by the Environment and Public Works Committee by a 17-2 vote and now awaits action by the full Senate.



• Championed restoration efforts for the Chesapeake Bay, including pressing for increased funding, stronger enforcement, and enactment of legislation giving the program added clout to finally clean up our Bay.

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