House Committee on Natural Resources Democrats

Today, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and I met Iris in Loíza, Puerto Rico. During Hurricane Fiona, her home suffered severe damage. With help from President Joe Biden, she rebuilt her home, installed rooftop solar and storage, and will see an 80% reduction in her home energy bills. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to increasing access to resilient, clean power for the most vulnerable households in the region.

Ah, National Park Week – a time when we celebrate parks across the country, where trees grow freely, and visitors roam wild. Not too wild. It's like a nature-themed party, but without the awkward small talk. Um, you made it awkward. We’ve also got history, cultural sites, urban parks, events, and volunteer opportunities. It's a chance to unplug, unwind, and finally get that Junior Ranger badge you’ve been hankering for. (Ranger hat not included.) So, grab your hiking boots, flip flops if you’re going to a beach park, your sense of wonder, maybe some bug spray (are mosquitoes back yet?) and your best marmot impression (why not?), and explore the beauty of our national parks from April 20-28. P.S. Saturday, April 20th is a fee free day! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eN-rwQK #NationalParkWeek

🗓 Summer internship applications are now open! If you’re interested in contributing to our mission of preserving and protecting our planet, advancing justice-oriented solutions, and uplifting Indigenous Peoples and U.S. Insular Areas, apply by March 22! https://lnkd.in/eWcm8BmJ

New photos from one of the most pristine wildlife refuges in the world! Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, part of American Samoa, is below the equator and represents the southernmost point of the U.S. territories. The monument and national wildlife refuge in the Pacific Ocean protects an incredible diversity of coral, reef fish and seabirds, as shown in these photos from last month. The completely undisturbed ecosystem also provides refuge to sea turtles, sharks and giant clams. The coral perimeter of the atoll shelters two tiny islands, together totaling about 25 acres, with a maximum elevation of 10 feet. USFWS photos: Pete Leary

In November, Puerto Rico achieved its 100,000th home solar and battery storage installation. This milestone reflects successful action to prevent power outages caused by extreme weather and protect residents who require machines to meet their medical needs.

We send a heartfelt New Year's greeting to start the year ahead. From members of our Bureau of Indian Affairs team, we wish all a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year! #NewYears #SeasonsGreetings

This National Veterans and Military Families Month, we honor and thank active military members, veterans and their families and caregivers by inviting them to enjoy our public lands for free. A free lifetime pass is available for veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and Gold Star Families, and a free annual Military Pass is available for current U.S. military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks and wildlife refuges. Interior proudly offers these passes to demonstrate our immense gratitude for those who make enormous sacrifices for our nation. https://lnkd.in/dU5bPpx Photo by NPS

🇺🇸 Save the date! In honor of Veterans Day, entrance fees on all Interior-managed public lands will be waived across the country on Saturday, November 11. We encourage everyone to get outside and take advantage of the health benefits of spending time in these natural spaces that belong to all of us. Whether it's hiking, camping or climbing on lands stewarded by Bureau of Land Management, bird watching or visiting national wildlife refuges on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-managed lands, or enjoying national parks️, monuments️ and historical sites curated by National Park Service – fee-free days offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy America's public lands. Photo by Christopher Gezon / Zion National Park