Dear friend,

Californians know firsthand that environmental protection cannot wait. Holding polluters accountable is how we protect our beaches and public lands and fight the climate crisis, which is causing record-breaking wildfires. 

This term, I am joining the House Committee on Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction to crack down on polluters. As of last week, I also have the honor of serving as Chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. In this role, I will make polluters answer to Orange County families. 

I’m humbled and excited to chair the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee to hold polluters accountable, safeguard all of our communities, and help spearhead solutions to the climate crisis.

Each House committee is divided into subcommittees, and for the most part, subcommittees have a narrow set of issues they cover (more on that in a bit). But, oversight subcommittees are special. These subcommittees have one job, and that is to root out waste, fraud, and abuse within the jurisdiction of the committee. On the Natural Resources Committee, that includes anything from the business practices of Big Oil, to fires in the Cleveland National Forest, to sweetheart deals between the Trump Administration and pesticide manufacturers. I will lead investigations to protect taxpayer dollars, elevate science-based solutions to the climate crisis, and more. I love oversight, and I am excited to get to work.  

I’m also joining two other subcommittees: the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee and the Public Lands and National Parks Subcommittee. These subcommittees also do oversight, but their main focus is holding hearings and writing bills. On the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, I’ll work on preventing drilling off the California coast and ending taxpayer-funded welfare for oil and gas companies. On the Public Lands and National Parks Subcommittee, I’ll be looking to expand access to parks and support President Biden’s 30x30 agenda, which calls for 30% conservation of all U.S. land by 2030. This subcommittee will also play a key role in developing better wildfire policy and science to keep Orange County safe.

As a mother of three, I am so grateful for the Cleveland National Forest and the wonderful hikes and campouts I have been able to share with my family over the years. The coronavirus pandemic has made access to outdoor space more important than ever, and reminds us how lucky we are to live in Orange County and have access to parks, mountains, forests, and beaches. We must protect this beautiful natural heritage and combat the climate crisis so that future generations will have the same opportunities and quality of life. I look forward to doing so in my new role on the House Natural Resources Committee. 

To stay up to date on how I’m representing you and California’s 45th District, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @RepKatiePorter.

          Very truly yours,

          Katie Porter
          Member of Congress