Protecting the Planet
Combating climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. Peter is taking on climate change deniers in Congress and fighting for policies that transition America to a clean energy economy.
- Enact a carbon tax or cap and trade system to cut greenhouse gas emissions
- Establish an aggressive renewable energy and energy efficiency standard
- Invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy to create jobs, lower energy bills, and cut greenhouse gas emissions
- Overturn the destructive rollback of landmark environmental laws, regulations, and climate change initiatives
More on Protecting the Planet
WASHINGTON – Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has introduced legislation that would provide federal funding to revitalize forests being destroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer and help stem future infestations of invasive pests.
“The Emerald Ash Borer is devasting to forests which are a central part of our economy, our heritage, and our way of life,” said Welch. “This initiative will fund efforts to revitalize damaged forests and more swiftly stem future infestations of invasive pests in Vermont and across the country.”
Washington, D.C. – Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced the Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act of 2019, legislation that encourages the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Savings Contracts (UESCs) in federal buildings.
Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), joined by Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.), today introduced bipartisan legislation that will create incentives for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency improvements. The Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to take up their bill in the near future.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) today introduced the Electric Cars Act of 2019, bicameral legislation to fully extend the electric vehicle tax credit for 10 years, and help deploy critical alternative fuel charging infrastructure.
Washington, DC – Late yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) to help schools become more energy efficient in Vermont and across the country.
Washington, DC – Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) along with Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) has reintroduced in the new Congress legislation to extend the North Country National Scenic Trail from Crowne Point, NY into Addison County, linking it to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail via Vermont’s Long Trail. Both the Senate and the House are expected to approve public lands legislation that incorporates Welch’s bill, clearing the way for President Trump to sign it into law.
Vermont Representative Peter Welch tweeted his support for a measure to push job creation and environmental sustainability — a plan championed by one of the Democratic Party's youngest rising stars.
The proposal backed by Representative-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has been termed the "Green New Deal." The name references President Franklin D. Roosevelt's initiatives during the 1930s to restore jobs to American workers and help the country get back on its feet after the 1929 stock market crash.
WASHINGTON – Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by increasing the transparency and ensuring the accountability of its funding program. Since 1991, the Recreational Trails Program has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and 4-wheel driving.
Vermont will soon be able to apply for up to $40 million in federal funding for projects to repair three aging flood control dams, after the Senate passed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 overwhelmingly on Wednesday.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in the Senate, and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., in the House, authored an amendment that raised funding for dam repair from $10 million to $40 million in the new bill.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Wednesday that Congress passed legislation that opens the door for Vermont to receive federal funds to repair three aging flood control dams. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 includes an amendment authored by Sanders in the Senate and Welch in the House that authorizes safety improvements at certain state-owned flood control dams constructed by the federal government before 1940.