WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) voted for legislation that will help restore and protect California's air, water, and public lands. The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations conference report will increase funding for clean water and wildfire preparedness programs that are especially important in Orange County and California.

"I am committed to ensuring that Orange County families have access to clean, reliable water supplies," said Rep. Sanchez. "This bill takes significant steps to reduce water pollution and provides funding to improve local drinking water and wastewater systems. It also provides critical funding to help protect communities in California from devastating wildfires."

To support our national security objectives and economic recovery efforts, the legislation also provides funding for climate change research, including initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions, encourages consumer energy efficiency, and increases the production of clean, renewable American energy. To help Americans save money and make wise environmental decisions, the bill allocates $51 million for the EPA's successful Energy Star Program - which already saves consumers $14 billion a year in energy costs.

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