Senator Joseph Biden (D)

Public Health

Air Pollution [click here to read question thirteen]

"The research shows that power plant pollution shortens the lives of thousands of Americans each year. Power plant pollution, which contributes to ground level ozone, can cause and/or worsen respiratory aliments such as asthma or emphysema. In Delaware, our air is already compromised by pollution from power plants in the Midwest. I have supported legislation to tighten the rules, to reduce emissions from power plants, instead of rolling back important provisions. I do not believe that 'the cost of doing business' requires us to accept poor air quality."

Superfund “Polluter Pays” [click here to read question fourteen]

I have consistently supported reinstating the Superfund polluter pays program. Polluters responsible for contamination, not the taxpayers, should pay for cleaning-up sites."

Chemical Security [click here to read question fifteen]

"I was proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Chemical Security and Safety Act in the last Congress and am continuing to work on this issue in the current Congress. I support requiring chemical facilities to take steps to improve security, including improving barriers, containment and mitigation, safety training and where possible using safer chemicals. I believe that we should protect state authority to adopt stronger protections than federal law. We should improve site security to the maximum extent possible, provide strong protections to whistleblowers and ensure a role for the Environmental Protection Agency in the oversight of chemical facilities."

Clean Water Act [click here to read question sixteen]

"I strongly support passing on a pollution-free environment to future generations. Clean water is not only essential to the health of our communities and our wetlands – it is also essential to the health of our coasts and oceans. I have consistently supported the protections of the nation’s waters and wetlands in the Clean Water Act."

Environmental Justice [click here to read question seventeen]

"I am deeply troubled by the fact that many – particularly those in urban communities – are living with disproportionately higher pollution levels. I support improving the equitable enforcement of our environmental laws and I support investments by state and local governments in green-planning and refurbishment of urban communities and I have worked for many years to end child lead poisoning. I oppose discrimination of any kind – including the application of environmental standards. Healthy urban communities are crucial to stopping sprawl and vital neighborhoods."

Pesticides and Rural Communities [click here to read question eighteen]

"I am concerned that many corporate interests have had a disproportionate influence on environmental policy during the Bush administration. Government has a responsibility to make sure that all reports, rules and regulations are based on sound science and aren’t unduly influenced by a political agenda or political contributors. Sadly, there have been far too many instances in the last seven years when this has simply not been the case. Cozy relationships between industry and regulators often leads to inappropriate results. My administration will review recent rulemakings to determine whether they are based on sound science and public welfare."