Paris is Always a Good Idea: House committee votes on Climate Action Now Act
Media Contacts
Environment America
WASHINGTON — Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 29-19 today in favor of H.R. 9 “The Climate Action Now” Act. This is the first step in moving this critical legislation, which boasts 180 co-sponsors, to the House floor.
“We cannot afford to wait another day to act on climate,” said Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone of New Jersey.
This legislation would require the United States to remain in the Paris climate agreement, which President Donald Trump has vowed to quit, and would keep the country on track to achieve benchmarks set by the Paris accord. It 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. Clearly, a 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.
Andrea McGimsey, the senior director of Environment America’s Global Warming Solutions Campaign, issued the following statement:
“Thanks to Congressional leaders, especially Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone and House Select Committee on the Climate Change Crisis Chairwoman Kathy Castor, who are focused on the climate crisis facing all Americans. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives will soon have the opportunity to reassert our standing as a leader on the critical issue of climate change.
“The “Climate Action Now” Act requires the United States to keep its pledge on the Paris Climate agreement, which means we are recommitting to carbon emission targets the United States voluntarily set. This is an essential part of ratcheting down carbon pollution in order to stave off the worst impacts of climate change.
“We have no time to spare on this issue. Climate-driven tragedies in communities such as Paradise, California and Mexico Beach, Florida should galvanize all elected leaders to get to work on strong climate solutions and protecting the people they represent.
“The United States has both the know-how and the drive to successfully combat climate change. With our top research institutions and our unparalleled work ethic, we can achieve a climate-friendly future with 100 percent clean energy.
“Environment America strongly supports H.R. 9, and we look forward to working with Congressional leaders and anybody — no matter their political party or geographical location — who wants to join in climate action now.”
###
Environment America is a national network with affiliates in 29 states. Our staff and members work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. Environment America is part of the Public Interest Network, which runs organizations committed to our vision of a better world, a set of core values, and a strategic approach to getting things done.
