Environment & Energy

The environment — our air, our water, our land — is a sacred trust that we must protect and preserve for ourselves and future generations. Today, our planet is in peril because of climate change, which is already affecting Minnesotans and Americans.

As the Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I am a strong supporter of action on climate change and strongly oppose efforts to undermine our international commitments and turn the United States into an environmental rogue nation. In addition, I support full funding for environmental protections and oppose harmful efforts to weaken our bedrock clean air, clean water, and conservation laws. These are laws that protect the health of our families and our planet.

When it comes to energy, we must make smart decisions today to create green jobs and safeguard our environment. Instead of doubling down on fossil fuels, I support strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure, research, and education.

Read my letter to President Biden on the Line 3 project here.

More on Environment & Energy

McCollum Opening Statement at Appropriations Committee Markup of FY2018 Interior-Environment Bill

July 18, 2017 Press Release

The activities funded under the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee keep our families safe from pollution, meet our commitments to Native Americans, conserve our natural resources, preserve our history, and foster the cultural life of our nation. These activities are critical, which is why I am deeply disappointed that the FY 2018 Chairman’s mark for this subcommittee proposes a cut of $824 million below the FY 2017 enacted level.This level is simply too low. It is a step backwards. A cut of this magnitude endangers our nation’s natural and cultural resources.

McCollum Opposes House GOP’s Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill

July 12, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, voiced her opposition to House Republicans’ fiscal year 2018 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill during today’s Subcommittee mark-up.

McCollum Opening Statement at Subcommittee Markup of FY2018 Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill

July 12, 2017 Press Release

I am deeply disappointed that the FY 2018 Chairman’s mark for the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies subcommittee cuts funding by $824 million below the FY 2017 enacted level. This level is too low and is a step in the wrong direction. These cuts mean that the needs of many important programs vital to protecting our nation’s natural and cultural resources will not be met.

McCollum Condemns Trump’s EPA Budget Cuts at Pruitt Hearing

June 15, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) condemned President Donald Trump’s cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency and vowed House Democrats will strongly oppose them during an appropriations hearing with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt today.

McCollum Opens Hearing on FY2018 EPA Appropriations

June 15, 2017 Press Release

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for protecting human health and the environment and ensuring clean air and clean water for families and children. Yet the budget you have come before us to support today would endanger the health of millions of Americans, jeopardize the quality of our air and water, and wreak havoc on our economy.

McCollum Leads Democrats at Interior Department Appropriations Hearing

June 8, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) led Democrats opposing President Donald Trump's backwards budget at a House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

McCollum Statement on President Trump's Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

June 1, 2017 Press Release

As our planet and humanity face the very real threat of climate change, this White House and the Republican Congress have isolated our nation by reneging on the Paris Agreement.

McCollum Statement on Reports President Trump Will Withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement

May 31, 2017 Press Release

Instead of constructive leadership and action, President Trump and the Republican Congress are willing to renounce the Paris Agreement, make the United States an environmental rogue nation, and condemn the next generation to the hell of an overheated planet.

Perdue to McCollum: Boundary Waters Environmental Review Will Proceed

May 25, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today received assurances from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue that the Trump administration will proceed with the two-year, science-based study of whether dangerous copper-sulfide ore mining should be permitted on federal lands in the watershed that flows into Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

McCollum: President Trump’s FY18 Budget Is Cruel and Reckless

May 23, 2017 Press Release

President Trump’s 2018 budget is a cruel and reckless plan that benefits billionaires, punishes the vulnerable, and abandons working families and small businesses. I strongly oppose this budget and will do everything I can to prevent its callous policies from becoming law.