The Environment
"The debate is over on climate change. We know it’s real, accelerating, and urgent. That is why I support Al Gore’s clean energy challenge. That is why I have made green jobs and bringing clean alternative energy industries to Western New York my signature issue. That is why I am running for Congress." — Alice Kryzan
All too often in America, environmental and economic interests have been seen as hopelessly at odds with each other. It doesn’t have to be that way. As an environmental attorney for over 30 years, I know that by pursuing smart energy and environmental policies we can create new jobs, bring more tourist dollars to the region, and better utilize our natural resources, all the while helping to restore and protect our environment.
My plan offers a new type of environmentalism, one that recognizes that we can protect our planet while fulfilling important economic and national security goals. Reaching our environmental potential throughout the District will not be easy, but I will bring to Congress the experience, passion, and judgment necessary to make this plan a reality.
- Climate Change and Clean Renewable Energy. We need to begin by addressing global climate change, the most important environmental issue facing our nation and our world today. I will work to establish a federal policy that provides consistent support for renewable energy and sets a target of 20 percent of our energy production coming from renewable sources by 2020. I support legislation to address climate change that would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050.
- Green Collar Jobs in the New Economy. I will work to bring renewable energy manufacturing facilities to Western New York, creating the green collar jobs of the future. The alternative energy industry could bring 50,000 jobs to the state. Developing a new energy industry is a crucial first step to ending our addiction to oil and ushering in our bright energy future.
- Great Lakes and Fresh Water Supplies. The Great Lakes are our region’s greatest natural asset. Fresh water will be in great demand in the 21st Century, and continued access to abundant, clean fresh water will ensure that our communities will thrive. Protecting and improving the quality of our Great Lakes will be a major focus of my efforts in Congress.
- Parks, Eco-Tourism, Wilderness Protection. We need to do a better job of supporting and promoting the whole District’s environmental assets. From Greece to Lockport and beyond, we have tremendously diverse and significant natural and heritage resources. I will ensure that we make better use of the Erie Canal, promoting sustainable development along its length to realize the full potential of the region.
In addition, my plan outlines my positions on oil dependence, vehicle fuel economy, and transportation alternatives; green buildings and energy conservation; coal power plants and coal mining; biofuels; hazardous waste and brownfields; and, trade agreements and local agriculture.
Read Alice’s full plan:
Building A Sustainable Future: An Environmental and Energy Plan for the 21st Century
Learn more about Alice’s environmental experience:
Alice’s Environmental Biography
