Environment
Protecting our environment and public health is one of my top priorities. Climate change, pollution, and the destruction of natural habitats pose serious threats to our economy, our communities, and our future. We have a moral responsibility to preserve our planet for generations to come.
I have supported numerous legislative initiatives and efforts aimed at addressing climate change and preserving our natural resources. I am honored by the recognition I have received over the years from organizations such as the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, the Alaska Wilderness League, the National Parks Action Fund and others for my consistent record of voting to protect our environment. I will continue to work to protect human health and the quality of our air and water, to support the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency to fulfill its mission, and remain a staunch defender of our environment in the face of continued attacks.
Protecting Memphis from Pollution
I have worked tirelessly to protect residents of Tennessee’s Ninth Congressional District from harmful pollution and environmental injustice.
I was a leading opponent of the Byhalia Connection oil pipeline, which would have cut through predominantly Black neighborhoods in southwest Memphis and threatened the Memphis Sand Aquifer — the source of our community’s drinking water. I raised these concerns with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and President Biden, helping to bring national attention to the issue. Ultimately, the project was abandoned.
Ultimately, the project was abandoned.
In 2023, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced findings that ethylene oxide (EtO) is more hazardous than previously known, I called for stronger regulations governing its use and urged Sterilization Services of Tennessee (SST) in the Mallory Heights neighborhood of Memphis to upgrade the facility to reduce emissions and protect its workers. Rather than upgrade the facility, SST shuttered its doors in April 2024.
Climate Action and Environmental Protection
Climate change is the defining environmental challenge of our time. I have supported measures to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen the Clean Air Act, and hold polluters accountable for the damage they cause to public health and the planet.
I voted against the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, opposing efforts to expand dangerous fossil fuel infrastructure that would worsen the climate crisis and threaten sensitive ecosystems. Instead, I continue to advocate for national policies that curb emissions, modernize our transportation and industrial systems, and promote a healthier, more sustainable future.
Protecting Natural Resources and Wildlife
Our natural resources from the Mississippi River and Wolf River to our parks, wetlands, and wildlife habitats are among our greatest treasures. I have consistently supported measures to protect endangered species, prevent deforestation, and preserve America’s public lands for recreation, conservation, and future generations.
Through my work with the Army Corps of Engineers, I’ve helped secure funding for projects that improve water quality, strengthen flood control, and restore river ecosystems across Memphis and the Mid-South.
More on Environment
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Program has awarded two grants totaling $6,891,760 to the Memphis Fire Department and the MidSouth Development District.
WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today reintroduced the Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act, legislation to help American families cover the cost of eliminating lead from their homes. The Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act would significantly broaden the national response to this threat to public health by providing refundable tax credits for homeowners, landlords, and tenants to remove lead from homes.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) spoke from the House floor and later voted against the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act after three amendments he proposed to better protect the Memphis water supply were rejected by the Rules Committee. The measure passed on a 221 to 205 vote.
Congressman Cohen’s proposed amendments would have:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who has exercised vigorous oversight of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) policies throughout his career representing Memphis and its utility, Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW), today urged the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to reject President Trump’s nomination of Lee Beaman to the TVA Board of Directors. Beaman is going before the committee for a confirmation hearing today. Congressman Cohen noted Mr.
WASHINGTON -- Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Tim Burchett (TN-2) today reintroduced the TVA Increase Rate of Participation (IRP) Act to require greater transparency and accountability in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP process is a comprehensive study projecting how the nation’s largest federal utility meets energy needs.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the Clean Cloud Act, legislation to establish emission standards for electricity used by high-demand energy users such as cryptominers and data centers. The measure has seven original cosponsors. The companion bill was introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA).
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today spoke at the fence-cutting and dedication of the new trail through the newly re-opened 17 acres of old growth forest in Overton Park for which he secured $3 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding. The grant also solved a longstanding Memphis Zoo parking challenge by protecting the Overton Park Greensward. The improvements resulting from the federal funding will open a walking path and more access to a beautiful part of Memphis as well as provide a solution to Memphis Zoo visitors parking on the Greensward.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin seeking the reversal of a proposal to rescind the 2008 Endangerment Finding acknowledging climate change has an impact on human health and safety.
The letter reads in part:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) went to the House floor this evening after learning that Republican House leaders have decided that Congress will adjourn early on Wednesday for a five-week August recess, and made the following remarks:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Shelby County’s Air Pollution Control Program will receive a grant of $100,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one tranche of $3.7 million already approved.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“Residents of Shelby County are understandably concerned about air pollution and air quality. I’m pleased this funding from the EPA will support efforts to put additional regulations in place to improve air quality in our community.”