Mr. Casey is Pennsylvania’s newly elected senator and a long-time advocate for strong environmental protections. He was born and raised in Scranton, the eldest son of Gov. Bob Casey Sr., graduated from Holy Cross and received his law degree from Catholic University. Before being elected to the Senate, Mr. Casey was Pennsylvania’s State Auditor and State Treasurer.

Do you have a hero when it comes to environmental protection?

There are certainly many powerful figures. One that has special meaning is someone who some years ago held the Senate seat I was just elected to—John Heinz. Another was my father, who successfully fought for state laws to improve water quality, clean up hazardous waste sites, and establish statewide recycling.

Are there environmental issues that are nearest to your heart?

The overall need to preserve and protect our environment both from a conservation and public health perspective is vitally important. That framework will help to guide my assessment of legislation that affects the environment.

Also, my father helped start the Pennsylvania open space and farmland preservation program. I’d like to carry on his tradition in the U.S. Senate.

What are your top environmental priorities in the new session?

Items high on my priority list include: addressing global warming to slow, stop, and reduce global warming pollution; increasing CAFE standards to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to reduce harmful emissions; passage of a real energy plan to reduce our dependence on foreign oil through aggressively pursuing alternative and renewable energy as well as conservation; and reinstating the polluter-pays principle for the cleanup of superfund sites.

Will you support a federal Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard in the new session?

I support a Renewable Portfolio Standard and will examine the best vehicle for this important proposal. The energy section of the Farm Bill will prove important, both to encourage renewable energy sources and value-added agriculture and to ease the burden on farmers who have been hard hit by rising energy prices. Additionally, the Farm Bill must include adequate conservation funding.

Will you support global warming legislation in the Senate?

Early indications are that global warming will be a key issue in the next Congress. For example, Sen. Barbara Boxer has made clear that she will pursue action on global warming as the Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

What role do you see PennEnvironment playing in the passage of environmental policy?

PennEnvironment can play a huge role in the advocacy for environmental legislation, by rallying support and educating the public at the grassroots level and by providing expertise to public officials. My door in the U.S. Senate will be open to PennEnvironment.

Why is public involvement critical to protecting our environment?

We all have a part to play in preserving the environment—whether it is recycling, using energy-efficient light bulbs, educating others, or pursuing changes in policy that will positively impact the environment and public health. Making your voice heard on Election Day or in Washington or Harrisburg is an important part of effecting change.