John Sarbanes: “each of which--each of which--would hamper EPA's ability to regulate air pollution and, unfortunately, continues this…”

I thank Representative Ramirez for yielding. I salute the Progressive Congressional Caucus for pulling together this Special Order to talk about the importance of strengthening our democracy. You are absolutely right to begin the…

Congress gave EPA this role more than 50 years ago under the Clean Air Act and reaffirmed that responsibility in 2005 under the Energy Policy Act.

But these are dramatic changes that can bring us to a new place and, I think, have given many people a sense of hope instead of despair in the face of what we are seeing with a warming planet.

It's a national environmental treasure. It's a regional economic engine. It's been one of my top priorities since I've come to Congress.