Climate Crisis

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted to pass H.R. 4502, a package of seven government funding bills, with investments to create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class and small businesses, and provide a lifeline for working families. The package also includes nearly $11M in funding that Rep. Castor championed for local projects. “As our economy recovers from the Covid19 pandemic, House Democrats have crafted a government funding package that will lift families, su... Read more

“In a victory for the fossil fuel corporations over the citizens of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an extreme, anti-consumer, anti-clean energy bill into law late yesterday that preempts local communities from expanding clean energy and cost-saving energy efficiency. DeSantis and the GOP-controlled legislature continue to do the bidding of the fossil fuel and electric utility industries - even as the costs to Floridians and harms from the climate crisis escalate. The governor was hoping t... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the release of President Joe Biden’s proposed budget: “President Biden’s budget meets this urgent moment and provides the resources needed to help communities, families, schools and businesses recover and thrive in the days ahead. Following an infusion of federal Covid-19 aid that served as a bridge for struggling communities, the President’s request aims to invest in working families and get our neighbors back to work, create ... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) urged Governor Ron DeSantis to veto anti-consumer and anti-clean energy H.B. 919, legislation that is awaiting his signature. Castor, who serves as Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, highlighted numerous concerns in her correspondence to the Governor. Earlier this month, Rep. Castor was joined by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, the Climate Leadership Engagement Opportunities (CLEO) Institute and Florida Conservat... Read more

Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that she will attend tonight’s address to a Joint Session of Congress by President Joe Biden, who is expected to outline the progress made by his Administration ahead of his 100th day in office. Rep. Castor - who serves as Chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis – also announced that she has invited a young Florida climate activist, Chere’ Erickson, as her virtual guest to witness the historic speech. “With passage of the American Rescue Plan ... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) reintroduced her bipartisan Florida Coastal Protection Act with Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL16) and a bipartisan majority of the Florida delegation, to make permanent the moratorium on oil drilling off Florida’s coast that is slated to expire in 2022. Last Congress, this legislation passed the House with a bipartisan majority and sat on Mitch McConnell’s desk without a vote. “Here in the Sunshine State, our natural resources and beautiful beaches are central to our... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) introduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2021 which will increase access to solar energy across the Tampa Bay area for all neighbors, regardless of income. As we celebrate Earth Day, Rep. Castor is working to expand a Department of Energy program that encourages community solar projects nationwide and increases accessibility to energy produced by lower-cost solar power. Watch Rep. Castor’s bill introduction Facebook Live event here. “Clean energy... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) highlighted the critical infrastructure needs across Florida with the release of a new fact sheet from the White House. The pressing needs of our neighbors and communities underscore the importance of the American Jobs Plan, a comprehensive infrastructure package that would create jobs in construction, manufacturing, clean energy, and other industries through much-needed investments in America's roads, bridges, electric grid, and water systems. The full fact ... Read more

On Wednesday, Chair Kathy Castor (FL14) of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released the following statement as President Biden unveiled the American Jobs Plan, a comprehensive infrastructure package that would create jobs in construction, manufacturing, clean energy, and other industries through much-needed investments in America's roads, bridges, electric grid, and water systems: "With the American Jobs Plan, President Biden is sending a clear message to America: let’s get to work," ... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement after the House passed the historic American Rescue Plan. The legislation is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “The American Rescue Plan will put more shots in arms and more money in the pockets of our neighbors and small business owners who need it at this precarious time in the public health and economic crisis. Americans need a bridge to survive the pandemic, and this historic emergency aid package wi... Read more