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Energy / Environment

We live in a time of unprecedented threat to our environment. From pollution to habitat degradation to the global crisis of man-made climate change, the evidence all around us is clear that we must act to protect our planet and everything living on it.

I have been a proud member of the Sierra Club since I was 16 years old and my passion for the environment is one of the primary reasons I first got into public service. Today, I serve as Vice-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, a group of more than 70 members of the House of Representatives committed combating climate change and ensuring a robust, resilient, low-carbon economy for generations to come.

I believe that climate change represents an existential threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans and billions around the world and that Congress must act with the urgency and ambition that climate science demands. For these reasons, I was an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal, a bold and aspirational proposal to transition our economy away from reliance on fossil fuels.


Rep. Quigley has repeatedly spoken out against President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement.

I have consistently supported legislation that aims to protect our planet, a fact that is reflected by my 98% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. In particular, I have been proud to champion measures that prevent mining and fossil fuel exploration and drilling on our nation’s public lands and to author the Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act, which will help increase the botanical capacity of the federal government and ensure that America’s unique and incredible ecosystems remain intact. I have also organized visits to five National Parks with my Congressional colleagues to witness firsthand the impacts of climate change on America’s most pristine landscapes and meet with the incredible National Park Service staff on the front lines of this challenge. We must do everything in our power to address the climate crisis so that generations to come can enjoy the majesty of America’s public lands just as we have.

Rep. Quigley with other members of SEEC during a visit to Yellowstone as part of his fourth Climate Change Tour
Rep. Quigley visited Yellowstone National Park in 2019 with members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) to learn about the impacts of climate change on our national parks.

I understand that we cannot solve the climate crisis without realizing how interconnected its impacts truly are. Today, the results of climate change can already be seen across the world’s plant and animal populations. During my time in Congress, I’ve also been proud to support wildlife through my support for the Endangered Species Act, which for over forty years has helped prevent the extinction of our nation’s unique wildlife.

I also understand that we can’t do it alone. Marching alongside climate activists, I have been inspired by the millions of young people around our country fighting for a better future. I will continue working with my colleagues to address the realities of climate change and dedicating my time in Congress to supporting legislation that protects our communities and develops strategies to combat the many threats facing our environment.

More on Energy / Environment

Jan 24, 2012 Press Release
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley offered an amendment to the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 1433) to provide greater disclosure and transparency before the construction of oil and gas pipelines.
Oct 14, 2011 Press Release
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) reiterated his support for strong EPA regulation authority and protection of public health by voting against anti-regulatory, anti-environment legislation for the third time in two weeks.
Sep 29, 2011 Press Release
U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Carolyn Maloney (NY-14), John Carney (DE-01), and 56 other members of Congress have sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to express their support for the EPA's final Cross-State Air Pollution Control Rule.
Jun 22, 2011 Press Release
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced an amendment to H.R. 2021 to allow the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) to maintain its authority to remand or deny the issuance of Clean Air Act permits for offshore oil drilling.
May 5, 2011 Press Release
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced an amendment to H.R. 1229 – the Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act – that would ensure any new off-shore drilling prioritizes environmental protection over speedy and dangerous extraction.

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