Energy & Environment
Representing one of the regions with the worst air pollution in the nation, where Fresno and Visalia rank as the two most polluted U.S. cities for year-round particle pollution. Congressman Costa has prioritized securing federal investments to reduce emissions, expand clean energy, prevent wildfires, and protect forests. On the Natural Resources Committee, he has fought to curb energy market speculation, boost domestic energy production, and invest in affordable, renewable energy sources like hydrogen, solar, and bioenergy to diversify and strengthen America’s energy future.
As a state legislator, he helped establish the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, laying the groundwork for better air quality regulations. In Congress, he secured federal funding to replace polluting diesel engines, expand air monitoring, and equip farmers with cleaner tractors. He has supported efforts to address asthma, such as expanding school-based air monitoring to protect children’s health and informing families during dangerous air quality days.
After the devastating Creek Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California history, which burned nearly 380,000 acres in Fresno and Madera counties, Costa pushed for stronger federal investments to prevent similar disasters. On the Forestry Subcommittee, Costa has been a champion for wildfire prevention and forest management, securing resources to protect California’s iconic Giant Sequoias and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks from escalating wildfire threats. He successfully pushed to enact some provisions of the bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act to protect our forests and reduce wildfire risk under the Biden presidency. He also introduced the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act to use new aerial tools to fight fires.
Costa championed the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in U.S. history, delivering over $15 million for a first-of-its-kind project to install solar panels over the Delta-Mendota Canal, boosting clean energy while conserving water for Valley farmers and communities. He has fought to expand the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helping thousands of Valley families, including seniors and low-income households, with their utility bills to stay safe during triple-digit weather.
More on Energy & Environment
California House Democrats on Friday demanded that the National Weather Service restore some terminated workers and begin hiring new forecasters after it halted around-the-clock operations at its Sacramento and Hanford weather forecasting offices, among others.
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.