"Protecting our open spaces and California’s sacred wilderness is more than sound public policy- it's an obligation. I also believe that environmental protection is more than preserving the wilderness far away from communities. In Congress, I have fought to protect our daily environment - our tap water, the air that surrounds us, the parks and trails in populated areas, and most importantly, I will continue fighting to ensure that new schools are constructed in safe, non-polluted locations. I’m proud of my sole endorsement by the League of Conservation Voters, and I’m proud of my environmental record. I will continue fighting for our natural treasurers."
- Congressman Mike Honda |
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PROVEN RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
In his first term in Congress Mike worked with the Land Trust of Santa Clara County to secure federal funding to purchase and preserve agricultural lands. He also worked with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to secure funding to clean up the Almaden Air Force Station and Mt. Umunhum. In the Assembly, Mike successfully fought for nearly millions in funding for the Nature Conservancy and expansion of Henry Coe Park. has worked to protect children from lead poisoning, and as a Supervisor, Mike Honda created the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. |
PROTECTING OUR OPEN SPACE FROM URBAN SPRAWL
Urban sprawl leads to traffic congestion, loss of open space, higher local tax rates and declining urban centers. In Congress, Mike has worked to assist local officials in preserving open space in California’s 15th district. He cosponsored H.R. 1486 which helps to ensure that 300-acres within the City of San Jose can become a park, offering residents sorely needed recreational and open space land. As a former 9 year Planning Commissioner, Mike knows the need for careful and thoughtful planning, and supports of agricultural areas. |
IMPROVING OUR AIR AND WATER QUALITY
Bad air quality affects everyone, especially children. Mike has cosponsored several bills that help clean the air that we breathe--H.R. 4611, the National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act, H.R. 1256, the Clean Smokestacks Act, and H.Res. 117, which calls for the development and promotion of programs to reduce emissions of fossil fuel generated carbon dioxide.
Vehicle emissions are another threat to air quality. Mike firmly believes that to achieve the goal of reducing emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, it will be necessary to switch from fossil fuel to other energy sources. He has cosponsored H.R. 2478, the Comprehensive Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act, which provides tax incentives for the purchase of fuel cell powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicles. |
PROTECTING NATURAL HABITATS AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
Mike Honda wants to phase out taxpayer-subsidized commercial logging our National Forests. He also supports protection of natural habitats and threatened species through strict enforcement of water quality standards and clean up of toxic 'hot spots' in bays and estuaries. Honda believes that natural habitats should be protected, and that polluters should be punished for damages to these habitats.
In Congress, Honda has cosponsored the Get Arsenic Out of Our Drinking Water Act, which would immediately enact the 10ppb standard and double the amount of national drinking water funding. |
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