Happy Earth Day to Congressman Tim Walberg! In addition to recently voting against investing in clean energy and energy technologies for Michigan companies and families, he was one of only four Michigan House members to vote against funding the Clean Michigan Initiative to help clean up industrial sites and water pollution in urban areas. Unfortunately for hardworking Michiganders, Walberg has brought his reckless priorities with him to Washington.
“Congressman Walberg continues to side with reckless Republicans in Washington who vote against the environment every time,” said Matt Thornton of the DCCC. “Congressman Walberg’s views are hurting the economy and the health of northern Michiganders.”
Background:
Voted Against Clean Michigan Initiative. In 1998, Walberg was one of only four members of the Michigan House to vote against the funding for the Clean Michigan Initiative, which sent a $675 million bond program to voters. The funds would be used to help clean up urban brownfield sites and pay for water pollution abatement programs. The bill passed 94 to 4. [SB 904, Roll Call #840, 7/02/98]
The Republican Budget Cut Funding For Clean Energy. “The GOP proposes ‘eliminating waste’ in federal spending by cutting funds to clean energy programs and climate change research. It slashes all federal spending on clean energy development beyond allocating some funds for research, while leaving subsidies for fossil fuels in place.” [New Republic, accessed 4/22/15]
The Republican Budget Failed To Invest In Energy Efficiency. Under the House Republican budget, both non-defense and base defense discretionary funding in 2016 would be at the lowest real levels in a decade. Compared to the President’s Budget, the Republican budget would result in: 3,500 fewer low-income homes achieving annual energy cost savings through residential energy retrofits. [White House, 3/17/15]