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 Vice Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I am a strong supporter of action on climate change. 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.

Find information on H.R. 2794, the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, here.

More on Environment & Energy

McCollum Formally Requests Criminal Charges Against Plating, Inc. Owners

August 25, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today formally requested federal authorities to pursue criminal charges against the owners and responsible individuals at Plating, Inc., which abandoned toxic and dangerous chemicals in a residential neighborhood in St. Paul, necessitating a $1.6 million federal cleanup.

McCollum Statement on Latest Trump Administration Attack on National Monuments

August 24, 2017 Press Release

“From the sacred sites of Utah’s Bears Ears to the majestic splendor of Maine’s Katahdin Woods, National Monuments safeguard our country’s natural and cultural treasures. The Trump administration’s proposal to strip protections from these special places and open them up to exploitation by private interests is an attack on our public lands and national heritage."

Neighborhood Meeting on EPA Waste Cleanup in St. Paul Set for Aug. 15

August 10, 2017 Press Release

The office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum will host a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, August 15 to share important information about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s cleanup of hazardous waste at 888 North Prior Avenue in St. Paul.

McCollum Statement on EPA Announcement of Hazardous Waste Cleanup in St. Paul

August 3, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released a statement after the Environmental Protection Agency announced an emergency $1.6 million hazardous waste cleanup at the Plating, Inc. site in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul.

McCollum, Environmental Leaders Oppose Emmer Bill to Mine Next to BWCA

July 27, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today submitted a letter to the House Natural Resources Committee strongly opposing a legislative proposal by Rep. Tom Emmer that would pave the way for dangerous mining next to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

McCollum Letter Opposing Emmer Bill to Mine Adjacent to BWCA

July 27, 2017 Press Release

On July 27, Congresswoman Betty McCollum sent a letter to the Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Ranking Member Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) opposing a discussion draft offered by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) that would rewrite existing environmental and public lands protections to allow Chilean conglomerate Antofagasta to mine next to Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing So-Called "Security Minibus"

July 26, 2017 Press Release

"Republicans have chosen to exclude eight of the appropriations bills from this legislation: funding for safe roads and bridges to drive on, quality healthcare for families, protection of our clean air and drinking water, and education for future generations. These critical investments that all Americans depend on are left by the way side with no path forward."

McCollum Leads Democrats Opposing House GOP’s Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill

July 18, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, today led House Democrats opposing the fiscal year 2018 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill during the Appropriations Committee’s mark-up of the legislation. House Republicans advanced their bill on a 30-21 vote.

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.