Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, communities and neighborhoods, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Grounded in the struggles of the 1960's Civil Rights Movement, environmental justice sounded the alarm about the public health dangers for their families, their communities and themselves. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor fought to restore vital energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives that have been placed on the chopping block by House Republicans during the debate on the U.S. Department of Energy appropriations FY2016 bill. Debate on the Castor Amendment occurred late last night. Read more »

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) marked the fifth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Blowout Disaster at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science Laboratory, where scientists summarized the extraordinary amount of research done since the disaster to better understand its costs to the Gulf of Mexico and the environment. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the statement below following today’s ruling by a federal district judge in New Orleans that placed the majority of blame on BP for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster in 2010. “It is appropriate that BP be held fully accountable for its gross negligence and economic and environmental damage caused by the 2010 disaster.  Workers lost their lives and… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) announced today that the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), a research consortium in St. Petersburg, will be Florida’s representative for the Centers of Excellence Research Grants Program, designing the program and administering the fund for the state. FIO will establish competitive grants for Centers of Excellence focusing on science, technology, and monitoring related to Gulf restoration, according to a rule published today by the U.S. Department of Treasury written as part of implementing the RESTORE Act, which passed July 6, 2012 in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster that devastated the Gulf of Mexico. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) sent this letter to the Florida Public Service Commission. Read more »

As public officials, we are writing to express our support for clean energy and urge your company to deepen its investment in energy efficiency and solar power in Florida. The areas of the country that move the fastest toward energy efficiency and solar power will generate the largest share of both manufacturing and installation jobs. We recognize the economic, health and environmental benefits that a shift to clean energy can bring our state and our communities. We also know that your leadership here is vital, especially in the upcoming proceedings before the Florida Public Service Commission that will determine Florida’s energy portfolio for years to come. Read more »

Today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and State Rep. Dwight Dudley announced new legislative proposals to increase consumer protections and energy savings for Floridians. Read more »

When it comes to alternative energy, Pinellas Park's PolyPack Inc. is ahead of the curve. The manufacturer of shrink wrap machines was racking up a hefty power bill before they decided to line the plant's roof with solar panels. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor pledged Monday "to raise the profile" of the state's need to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Read more »