Protecting Our Environment and Natural Resources

Protecting our environment means supporting clean water, preserving natural resources, and advancing practical, science-based solutions that keep our communities healthy and strong. Across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, our rivers, forests, farmland, and outdoor spaces are an important part of both our quality of life and our local economy.

That’s why I’ve supported efforts focused on conservation, water quality, public health, and protecting our environment for future generations.

Protecting the Delaware River Basin

The Delaware River is one of the most important natural resources in our region — providing drinking water, supporting local ecosystems, and helping power outdoor recreation and tourism throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.

I cosponsored the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 and supported funding for the program through the appropriations process to strengthen federal support for conservation and restoration projects throughout the basin. The legislation helps fund efforts to improve water quality, restore habitats, support wildlife, and assist communities working to protect local waterways and ecosystems.

Supporting Water Quality and Public Health

I’ve also supported legislation focused on improving water quality, studying emerging environmental concerns, and advancing sustainable water use practices.

Microplastics Safety Act — Directs federal agencies to study the potential health impacts of microplastics found in food and drinking water so policymakers and families have better scientific information about possible risks.

Advancing Water Reuse Act — Supports projects that recycle and reuse water resources to strengthen long-term water reliability and encourage more efficient water use.

MAP Waters Act — Improves national water quality monitoring and helps identify pollution trends so communities and local governments can better protect freshwater resources.

Protecting Agriculture and Local Ecosystems

Agriculture and outdoor spaces play an important role in our local economy and way of life. That’s why I cosponsored the If You See It, Squish It Act, which increases public awareness and coordination efforts to help stop the spread of invasive species like the spotted lanternfly that threaten crops, trees, and ecosystems across Pennsylvania.

I also supported the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — legislation that strengthens support for farmers, protects local agriculture, and helps keep rural communities competitive. The bill includes several important wins for our agricultural communities, including:

Expanded support for specialty crop growers, including producers of fruits, vegetables, nursery products, and other crops important to agriculture.
Stronger crop insurance and disaster assistance programs to help farmers recover from severe weather, market disruptions, and other unexpected challenges.
Improved access to credit and financing for young, beginning, and family farmers working to grow and sustain their operations.
Investments in rural broadband, water systems, and energy efficiency programs to help lower costs and support communities across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.

Earlier this year, I joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy at Jaindl Farms for a Farm to Table Roundtable with local farmers, freight operators, and community leaders. We discussed ways to strengthen agriculture, improve transportation networks, lower costs for producers, and support the industries that help bring food from farm to table across Pennsylvania.

I also supported the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which was signed into law and restores schools' ability to serve whole and 2% milk for the first time in decades. This commonsense change gives schools more flexibility to offer nutritious options that students are more likely to drink.

These efforts focus on practical solutions that protect our agricultural heritage, preserve natural resources, strengthen local farms, and support communities across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.