Leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives today announced the introduction this week of H.R. 9 “The Climate Action Now”. This legislation is aimed at keeping the United States on track to achieve benchmarks set by the Paris Climate Agreement, which President Donald Trump has vowed to quit. The legislation would ensure that the United States meets its international commitment to cut carbon emissions by at least 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.
Bruce Speight, Environment Washington Director, issued the following statement:
“We applaud the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone, Foreign Affairs Chair Eliot Engel, and Select Committee on Climate Crisis Chair Kathy Castor for sending the message to the world that America still has the will to be a strong global leader on the climate crisis.
“One hundred and eighty-five countries have ratified the Paris Agreement with the understanding that concerted global action is necessary ‘to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future,’ according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“The United States is uniquely capable of developing and implementing the solutions we need — transitioning to a society completely powered by clean energy, electrifying our cars, and expanding mass transit and bike lanes. We have the research universities and institutions, the renewable energy technology, and most of all, the indomitable spirit of innovation that has powered America for more than 200 years. All we need is the political will to make it happen.
“This bill is just a first step in solving the climate crisis and maintaining our global standing. We sincerely hope this is a building block on our road to a 100 percent carbon-neutral future, which is what science tells us is crucial to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. Environment Washington looks forward to working with our congressional leaders and anybody — no matter their political party or where they’re from — who wants to join the effort.”
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