Energy & Environment
Jim Costa has been a strong advocate for sustainable energy, environmental protection, and addressing climate challenges, especially as they impact the San Joaquin Valley. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, Costa fought to rein in excessive speculation in our energy markets and boost domestic energy production. He believes we must also invest in energy efficiency and cheaper, clean energy and other renewable energy sources that will diversify and sustain our domestic energy sector.
Recognizing the devastating toll of wildfires, Costa has fought for increased funding for forest management and wildfire prevention. He co-introduced the Save Our Sequoias Act to protect the iconic Giant Sequoias, securing investments to safeguard these natural treasures from wildfire damage at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To further enhance wildfire readiness, he introduced the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act, which invests in advanced tools like real-time satellite detection, drones, and improved communication systems to quickly identify and respond to fires.
As a strong supporter of the Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, Costa brought critical clean energy investments to the Valley, including over $15 million to install solar panels over the Delta-Mendota Canal—a groundbreaking project that improves energy efficiency while conserving water for Valley farmers and communities. He has been a steadfast advocate for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ensuring thousands of Valley families can afford to keep their homes cool during triple-digit summers and warm during winter, especially vulnerable seniors and low-income households who face life-threatening conditions without assistance.
Through his efforts on energy, air quality, wildfire prevention, and direct support for vulnerable families, Costa continues to lead on comprehensive solutions that protect the environment while supporting the health and well-being of San Joaquin Valley residents.
Air Quality
Representing one of the regions with the worst air quality in the nation, Costa has worked to secure funding to reduce emissions from agriculture, transportation, and industry. As a former state legislator, he helped establish the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, a vital step in improving one of the nation’s worst air quality regions. He supported programs to replace diesel engines with cleaner alternatives and has pushed for federal investments to improve air quality monitoring and enforcement in the Valley.
More on Energy & Environment
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after House Republicans jammed through their partisan budget bill, which would add $4 trillion to the national deficit, while cutting vital relief for families in the San Joaquin Valley.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the U.S.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing H.R.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget bill, also known as the Continuing Resolution (CR).
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after he voted against the Republicans’ budget blueprint that would deliver $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts that could impact Medicaid and other key healthcare programs.
WASHINGTON – Over 75 national and California-based organizations have endorsed Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) to serve as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. These endorsements reflect broad support for Costa’s proven leadership and commitment to strengthening agricultural policy in the United States.
