Woonsocket Radio News Room

Amo to Support Climate Action, Defend Against GOP Attacks in New Committee Leadership Role

Congressman will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment in 119^th Congress.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced his new leadership role on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over research at the Environmental Protection Agency, environmental standards, and climate change research and development, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the National Weather Service.

“Last Congress, I advocated for Rhode Island's leadership in the Blue Economy, a key sector that encompasses ocean research, marine manufacturing, and clean energy. I also highlighted the growing NOAA footprint in our state and introduced legislation to develop curriculum on artificial intelligence literacy,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “This Congress, as a subcommittee ranking member under the leadership of Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, I look forward to fighting dangerous Trump Administration and Congressional Republican proposals to reverse climate action and defund critical scientific research. We must oppose their efforts as we work to spur innovation and confront the complex challenges facing our generation.”

“I’m pleased that Congressman Gabe Amo has been selected to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren. “In his coastline district, Mr. Amo sees firsthand how important it is that we support our Blue Economy while protecting and preserving our oceans and coasts. That’s an incredibly valuable perspective to bring to our committee, especially now as Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Mr. Amo. Supporting the efforts that fall under the environment subcommittee, like bolstering federal climate research efforts, is more important now than ever.”

BACKGROUND
Congressman Amo has served on the House Committee on Science, and Technology Committee since December 11, 2023 when his appointment was announced by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

During his time on the committee, Congressman Amo has advocated for:

1. Rhode Island’s Blue Economy through a district-wide tour of stakeholders — from marine manufacturing companies to offshore wind training programs to leading experts in ocean research and academia.
2. Legislation to bring National Science Foundation funds to Rhode Island through his Blue Economy and Innovation Act.
3. Clean energy in Rhode Island as the home of the nation’s first commercial offshore wind farm.
4. Groundbreaking opportunities for Rhode Islanders to fund clean energy projects through the Inflation Reduction Act.
5. Artificial intelligence literacy for Rhode Island K-12 students through his bipartisan Literacy in Future Technologies (LIFT) AI Act.
6. Support for small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Rhode Island through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

The House Committee on Science Space and Technology has broad jurisdiction over many areas of non-defense Federal research and development (R&D). It has exclusive jurisdiction over the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The Committee also has authority over R&D activities at the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).