U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is fighting to reduce carbon pollut ion, protect our air and water , and position America as a leader in the clean energy economy. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, he plays a key role in crafting policies addressing climate change and environmental protection.
Every week, Sen. Whitehouse speaks out on the Floor of the Senate, urging Congress to wake up to the threat of climate change. He co-founded the Senate Climate Action Task Force to help build support for action to address carbon pollution. Whitehouse has also introduced legislation to put a fee on carbon, establishing a market incentive to reduce emissions while generating substantial revenue to be returned to the American people.
In 2011, Sen. Whitehouse joined with Democrats and Republicans to fonn the Senate Oceans Caucus to respond to the pressures of pollution and commercial activity . He has also passed legislation establishing a National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund, a dedicated funding source for ocean and coastal research and restoration.
A graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law, Whitehouse served as Rhode Island’s U.S. Attorney and state Attorney General before being elected to the United States Senate in 2006. In addition to Environment and Public Works , he is a member of the Budget Committee; the Judiciary Committee; and the Finance Committee.
He and his wife Sandra, a marine biologist and environmental advocate , live in Newport . They have two children.
For the latest updates on Sen. Whitehouse’s work, follow @SenWhitehouse on Twitter and visit facebook.com/SenatorWhitehouse .