Insular Areas

 

 

 

Our Plan To Enhance Clean Energy And Resilience In Insular Areas

 

 

 

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Climate Change in the U.S. Territories

Located in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. territories are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change—especially ocean acidification, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and increasing storm impacts—that threaten lives, critical infrastructure, and local economies. In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, contributing to the deaths of thousands of people and decimating their electric grids and infrastructure. U.S. territories also have the opportunity to harness the sun, wind, and waves to develop clean energy solutions and their economic and climate benefits.

 
 

U.S. territories are on the front lines of the impacts of climate change and require unique scientific and technical assistance and robust financial support to understand climate-related threats, develop renewable energy systems, and build resilience. Congress must embed insular areas throughout an equitable and just national climate policy.

 

Ensure that Insular Areas are eligible for technical assistance and funds under the new National Climate Adaptation Program.

Establish a process for offshore wind leasing in the U.S. territories.

Deploy resilient renewable energy and microgrid systems in U.S. territories by providing technical assistance and funding through USDA.

Include Insular Areas in the advancement of climate science, including development of climate risk information, tools, and monitoring for real-time weather and conditions.

Increase funding for DOI’s Office of Insular Affairs to work with territories on implementing climate solutions.

Strengthen the health care sector in Insular Areas by ensuring their inclusion in programs to provide grants and planning assistance for energy efficiency, resilience, and preparedness.

More on Insular Areas

Chair Castor: House Democrats Passed Hundreds Of Climate Solutions In 2021

Jan 4, 2022 Press Release
"A new year provides an opportunity to start fresh on clean energy and climate solutions, and build on the progress we made in 2021," said Chair Castor.

One Year After Release Of Climate Crisis Action Plan, Select Committee Introduces Online Tracker Showing Progress On Hundreds Of Recommendations

Jun 30, 2021 Press Release
New Online Tool Shows 100+ Action Plan Solutions Already Signed Into Law; 250+ Passed By House

Select Committee Democrats Release 'Solving The Climate Crisis', A Congressional Roadmap For Ambitious Climate Action

Jun 30, 2020 Press Release
“Our plan will put people back to work and rebuild in a way that benefits all of us. That means environmental justice and our vulnerable communities are at the center of the solutions we propose. The health of our families and the air we breathe are at the heart of our plan. We chart the course to good-paying jobs in solar and wind energy, in manufacturing American-made electric vehicles, and in strengthening communities, so they are more resilient to flooding, extreme heat, intense hurricanes and wildfires.”

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