What They're Saying

About Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America.
Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Majority Staff Report

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS & THINK TANKS

“The plan released by the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis bristles with bold solutions to the greatest environmental threat of our time. It would speed us away from fossil fuels and invest in a better future—one that will put more people to work in clean energy, reduce pollution in communities where it is the highest, and make our country more resilient to the challenges ahead. This is the kind of leadership our country needs right now—putting the well-being of people, communities and our economy ahead of powerful polluters.” - Gina McCarthy, President and CEO, Natural Resources Defense Council

“At a time when Americans are fighting through a public health pandemic and its economic fallout, the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has provided important leadership in detailing ways we can reinvigorate our COVID-battered economy and build the 100% clean future we need. We have the opportunity to rebuild a better, healthier and more just America. Chairwoman Castor and the Committee have put in the hard work to build the comprehensive plan we need to defeat the climate crisis. Now it is time for our elected leaders to turn this report into legislative action and provide our country with the opportunity to emerge from this challenge stronger, healthier, and safer.” - Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

“This year has laid bare the myriad ways in which our government is failing to protect Americans. It has failed to protect Black Americans from violence and racist policies. It has failed to protect front-line workers from a deadly pandemic. Now, we cannot fail to protect people from the looming impacts of climate change. President Trump has turned his back on the advice of experts and the wellbeing of our communities, but the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has developed a strikingly comprehensive plan to put Americans to work while investing in the economy of the future. Now is the time to reverse the injustices of the past and chart a course to a cleaner, safer future for our children and our planet.” - Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress

“President Trump is putting our future at risk by calling climate change a hoax, refusing to listen to scientists, experts and military leaders that climate change is a threat, and ordering the rollback of 98 key environmental protections, so that fossil fuel industries can continue to release unlimited carbon pollution into the atmosphere. We need a strategy for tackling our climate crisis that rebuilds our economy, saves nature from destruction, and works to right the racial injustices in our system. The plan released today by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis charts a bold, ambitious, equitable and just path towards a future with a 100% clean energy economy that works for all Americans.” - John Podesta, Founder, Center for American Progress

“The escalating climate crisis demands bold, equitable solutions that match the magnitude of the challenge — and that’s exactly what Chair Cathy Castor and the Select Committee have delivered. Moving toward a zero-emission future represents our nation’s greatest opportunity to accelerate our national economic economy and restore our natural resources. The Select Committee’s Climate Action Framework provides a detailed roadmap of how we can create millions of good-paying jobs by building clean infrastructure, deploying natural solutions that sequester emissions and bolster community resilience, revitalizing frontline communities that have borne the brunt of pollution for too long, and supporting fossil-fuel workers who helped turn the United States into an economic superpower. We urge Congress to take up the Committee’s thoughtful recommendations as quickly as possible.” - Collin O’Mara, President and CEO, National Wildlife Federation (NWF)

“The best science tells us that climate change is happening now and will only get worse if we fail to take urgent action. This report underscores that climate change is not just a science issue, but also a health, economic, racial justice, housing and food security issue. It also highlights that only by engaging a broad range of stakeholders will we be able to solve the climate crisis. The novel coronavirus epidemic has made clear what happens when we ignore scientists and do not take decisive action before a problem outstrips our ability to manage it. As we rebuild our economy, we need to do so in a way that equitably addresses the climate crisis to provide a better, healthier and safer future for everyone. As with the COVID-19 crisis, the climate crisis also disproportionately affects communities of color, low-income communities and working people. Solutions must take into account long-standing racial and socioeconomic inequities to truly meet the needs of all communities. Young people also deserve an ironclad commitment from us to safeguard their future well-being and prosperity by leaving behind a world that is not ravaged by runaway climate change. The report offers a strong foundation for climate action. It’s now incumbent upon Congress and the president to answer the call of the broad-based, powerful climate justice movement and transform the hundreds of policy recommendations into actionable rules and laws.” - Ken Kimmell, President, Union of Concerned Scientists

“C2ES welcomes this valuable and important contribution to America’s urgent climate debate. With its unique ability to look across committee jurisdictions, the Select Committee has assembled the most comprehensive plan ever offered in Congress to combat climate change. This bold plan recognizes the need for market-based strategies to reduce emissions cost-effectively, as well as targeted policies to drive critical technologies, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure a just transition. Many of these recommendations align closely with those of our Climate Innovation 2050 initiative, developed in partnership with leading companies. We see a sound basis here for developing bipartisan solutions and many elements that Congress can and should take up right now as part of a broader economic recovery effort.” - Bob Perciasepe, President, C2ES (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions)

“The Congressional Action Plan on climate hits the mark.  Our modelling, which is detailed and peer-reviewed, finds that a 90 percent reduction in CO2 by 2035 from power plants is practical, would create 500,000 jobs, and would save consumers money on their electricity bill.  Good jobs.  At home.  The Congressional Plan can make that happen. The other sections—on building, transportation, agriculture, research and development, and beyond—are likewise thoughtful and feasible.  Together they offer an opportunity to rebuild America’s economy, protect her air, land, and water, and supply the jobs we need.  As a bonus, the plan will position our country to better compete with foreign nations.” - Hal Harvey, CEO, Energy Innovation LLC

“Speaker Pelosi, Chair Castor, and House Democrats have set forth a comprehensive climate action plan that centers the need to address environmental racism, create high-quality, good-paying jobs, and build a safe, healthy clean energy economy. National climate policy must confront the forces that expose Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to higher levels of toxic pollution head on and this report gives our elected officials a blueprint to do just that. In stark contrast, Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to do polluters’ bidding, deny science, ignore expert advice, dismantle environmental policies that protect communities, and put our health at further risk in the middle of a global pandemic. Pro-environment leadership in the White House and both chambers of Congress has never been more urgent.” - Gene Karpinski, President, League of Conservation Voters

“Evergreen Action is thrilled to see the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis release such a detailed and comprehensive plan to defeat the climate crisis. This plan lays a foundation for bold federal climate action, beginning immediately in Congress and with new presidential leadership over the coming decade. “The House Select Committee’s plan represents a major shift in Congressional leaders’ approach to climate policy, towards a more urgent plan built on clean energy standards, investment and environmental justice. These policies have been the most effective tools for clean energy transformation at the state and local level over the past decade, and standards-investment-justice was the foundation of Gov. Jay Inslee’s ‘gold standard’ climate plan. The House Select Committee plan provides a proven formula for Congress to lead on climate policy that matches the scale and urgency of the crisis. “Evergreen is pleased to see many policy ideas from the Evergreen Action Plan, and from Governor Jay Inslee’s Climate Mission policy agenda, reflected in this report. Among these are the use of federal incentives to drive state and local building codes to achieve all new zero-emission buildings by 2030, the creation of a Green Bank-like financing mechanism based on 2009 legislation from thenCongressman Jay Inslee, the creation of an 'Equity Screen' for all major federal policy actions to determine how a potential project or policy would impact environmental justice and equity, and the creation of a Solar Communities Initiative at the Department of Energy to promote energy democracy and community-led investment. This document lays out a roadmap on how Congress can engage in remaking and rebuilding our economy, creating millions of jobs in a more equitable and inclusive future. “Right now, as we grapple with a public health crisis, an economic crisis, and a racial injustice crisis, on top of the climate crisis, we face a choice: do we prop up the unjust fossil fuel-based economy of the past? Or do we build something better? With the Evergreen Action Plan and the Select Committee report, federal lawmakers have the tools to do just that. We now must prioritize these proposals and act quickly, as we are running out of time. The next president and Congress must put bold and just climate action at the top of the nation’s agenda.” - Evergreen Action

“It is impossible to address the climate crisis without addressing inequity. The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis’ ‘Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy and Just America’ report proposes clear solutions to tackle both. The Sierra Club applauds the Select Committee for putting forth a comprehensive plan that centers equity to confront the global climate crisis. This roadmap for congressional action presents a clear path that can and must be taken to limit the worst effects of the climate crisis and protect the people, wildlife, and places we love. It also details the millions of jobs that can be created as we continue to build a just and equitable clean energy economy. The Sierra Club is determined to push Congress to advance legislation rooted in the robust proposals presented in the Select Committee’s report, and we look forward to working alongside Congressional leaders to do so.” - Michael Brune, Executive Director, The Sierra Club

“The climate crisis is happening here and now, and we need bold action that tackles the issue with the urgency it deserves. This groundbreaking report provides a roadmap for the transformative steps we need to take as a country to get to zero emissions and 100% clean energy without leaving any communities behind. This report centers environmental justice for communities of color and low-income communities on the frontlines of pollution and climate impacts, and prioritizes people’s health over polluter profits. It outlines steps to cut climate pollution from every major source — transportation, energy, buildings, and agriculture. It lays out a plan to protect our land, oceans, and wildlife from climate impacts and make nature part of the solution. And it restores U.S. climate leadership around the world. As the Trump administration tries to bail out the fossil fuel industry and continues its assault on our environmental laws, in the middle of a pandemic that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, this report lays out a bold vision for a just climate future. We are grateful to Chairwoman Castor and the committee for their tireless work and an inclusive process, and we look forward to partnering with climate leaders in Congress to put this report into action.” - Abigail Dillen, President. Earthjustice 

“The staff report released by the Select Committee offers an achievable set of recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts on an immediate basis. Congress must consider these recommendations, based on submissions from hundreds of organizations, including EESI, and act. There is no debate: the climate crisis is upon us now--the sooner we act the less disruption it will cause and the less it will cost us. And there should be no debate: before us is an opportunity to make clean energy more affordable, accessible, and equitable than ever before; create new jobs for millions of Americans; and improve the resilience of our communities, including those in rural areas and on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We should seize this opportunity to advance climate change solutions.” - Daniel Bresette, Executive Director, Environmental and Energy Study Institute

“The Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has provided the playbook for Congressional action needed to decarbonize the US economy by midcentury. Today’s report recognizes that this challenge will require a strong and technology-inclusive set of policies. Clean Air Task Force looks forward to working with the committees of jurisdiction as they work to enact this ambitious agenda.” - Lindsey Griffith, Federal Policy Director, Clean Air Task Force

“The U.S. needs to get on the fastest, fairest path to net-zero emissions by 2050, and the House Select Committee’s report highlights the kinds of ambitious policies that can get us there. In the middle of a pandemic that is more lethal in people suffering from pollution-related illnesses, and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, this plan lays out a path to cut pollution, shock-proof our society from the worst climate impacts, and create well-paying jobs for Americans. We’re particularly supportive of the committee’s combination of sector-specific performance standards to guarantee significant reductions in climate pollution and incentives and innovation funding for the entire suite of clean energy solutions we need. This report outlines exactly the kind of aggressive and pragmatic approach to addressing climate change that would help remake and rebuild our economy while restoring American leadership, and cutting pollution.” - Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program, Third Way

“Global warming is unlike any other problem, because it's woven into every aspect of how we live our lives. The select committee report reflects the wide range of deep changes we need to get a handle on climate change -- from the things we buy to the energy we use to the ways we treat the natural world. It's a bold blueprint at a time that requires bold action. We look forward to working with Americans from all parties and perspectives to make that vision a reality.” - Wendy Wendlandt, Acting President, Environment America

“With a growing majority of Americans concerned about the impacts of climate change on their families and communities, we expect our elected leaders to act. Rep. Castor and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis are showing that’s possible. A better future is within our reach -- a future of clean energy, abundant natural lands, and a reimagined economy that puts care for people and the planet first. We hope today’s report launches a national conversation about how to build that future -- and tackle global warming -- together.” - Andrea McGimsey, Senior Director of the Global Warming Solutions Campaign, Environment America

“Cars and trucks powered by fossil fuels must be relegated to the history books. By calling for 100 percent zero-emission car sales by 2035 and zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2040, the select committee would put America on a path to cleaner, healthier transportation.” - Morgan Folger, Destination: Zero Carbon Campaign Director, Environment America

The select committee report lays out ambitious recommendations to help transition America to a future powered by cleaner, greener energy. Sensible and necessary steps such as eliminating global warming emissions from the electricity sector by 2040, expanding federal clean energy tax incentives, and prioritizing energy efficiency and conservation will advance meaningful action. It’s the type of action that can’t come too soon.” - Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Environment America

“Whether you’re on the coast of New England, in Hawaii or inland, Americans understand and appreciate the overwhelming value of our natural heritage and our obligation to safeguard it for future generations. We are glad to see the House select committee recognize conservation of our public lands and waters as a core solution to the mounting threat of climate change. We look forward to working with congressional members to set a national goal of protecting 30 percent of our lands and oceans by 2030.” - Steve Blackledge, Senior Director of Conservation America Campaign, Environment America

“No drilling means no spilling. As America breaks our dependence on oil, we can also eliminate the threat that offshore oil disasters pose to our beaches. The select committee's call for a ban on new offshore oil leasing is a key step toward protecting marine life and pristine beaches, which are at risk of a spill. In an era when oceans are showing the increasingly acute effects of global warming, we need our decision-makers to act to safeguard this rich source of so much of the world’s life.” - Kelsey Lamp, Advocate Protect Our Oceans Campaign, Environment America

“Climate change is exacerbating water woes -- from flooding and sewage overflows to toxic algal outbreaks. The Select Committee on Climate Crisis report responds to this new reality with urgently needed investments to prevent water pollution and help ensure safe drinking water for all.” - John Rumpler, Senior Director for Clean Water for America Campaign, Environment America

“Reducing waste and the production of disposable plastic -- a fossil fuel by-product -- is a critical weapon for fighting climate change. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act highlighted in the report will help us reduce the amount of resources we use once and throw away, and encourage a shift toward the consumption habits that a healthier planet requires.” - Alex Truelove, Director of Zero Waste Campaign, U.S. PIRG

“Transportation is climate enemy No. 1 in America, and the select committee report proposes a bold agenda for change. Doubling funding for public transportation, especially if paired with efforts to make our communities more walkable and bikeable, would make it easier for Americans to drive less and live more.” - Matt Casale, Transportation Campaign Director, U.S. PIRG

“For nearly a decade, Moms have been organizing to demand meaningful action to stop climate pollution — because it is threatening our safety and wellbeing. We know as well that low income communities and communities of color bear the brunt of the damage a changing climate inflicts. That’s why we applaud the work of Kathy Castor and the members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, who have released a road map for how Congress can solve climate change. Congress has never before produced anything like this report, the result of more than a thousand hearings and meetings, many attended by both Democrats and Republicans. It is an exhaustive look ahead, an unprecedented effort to capture, in one document, the breadth and depth of opportunities for every Congressional committee to craft solutions to address climate pollution. This blueprint for action, if adopted, would achieve zero climate pollution by 2050. And as the report makes clear, there is opportunity for action across every sector of the economy: from developing smart infrastructure bills in the 21st century that create long-lasting jobs, to protecting our national security, redressing historic environmental injustices, creating and deploying non-polluting energy, and developing innovative carbon and methane capture mechanisms. Congress has never had a more important job to do. Congress cannot just leave the crisis of climate pollution to federal agencies. The time is now for every member of Congress and each Congressional committee to show leadership and direction. The Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has provided the roadmap for how to do this work. Moms across the country want to see all our leaders step up to protect our children’s health and future.”- Dominique Browning, Co-Founder and Senior Director, Moms Clean Air Force

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEADERS, EQUITY GROUPS, & LABOR

“For too long, systemic racism and injustice have disproportionately exposed economically disadvantaged communities, tribal communities, and communities of color to the highest levels of toxic pollution. As the current COVID-19 crisis demonstrates, the interconnection between environmental and health risks has created crisis conditions for communities already battling toxic pollution that causes respiratory and other illnesses. Unless intentionally interrupted, systemic racism will continue to be a major obstacle to creating a healthy planet. The only path forward is to design national climate policies that are centered on justice. CEED welcomes the Select Committee’s climate policy report, which is centered on equitable climate solutions that will build an inclusive, just and pollution-free economy that works for all people. The report supports many of the policy priorities in the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform, including ensuring a healthy climate and air quality for all, and access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity, water, and transportation for every community. In particular, CEED welcomes the report’s recommendations to ensure that all communities share the benefits of expanded investment in energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy and a prosperous and vibrant clean economy.” - Dr. Cecilia Martinez, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy

“The Select Committee process has been centered on the desire to put equity and justice at the core of national climate policy and to invite and include input from EJ advocates. The Committee calls for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations in environmental justice communities; directs EPA to address the cumulative impacts of pollution as it implements environmental laws; and embeds environmental and climate justice in federal agency decision-making and the congressional legislative process. The Committee’s report puts forward a strong climate policy roadmap that, if followed, would hopefully improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people living in economically disadvantaged areas, tribal communities and communities of color.” - Michele Roberts, National Co-Coordinator, Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform 

“EJ advocates have fought for decades for just and equitable environmental and climate policies – and to have a seat at the table to shape those policies.  Our vision is that all people and all communities have the right to breathe clean air, live free of dangerous levels of toxic pollution, access healthy food, and enjoy the benefits of a prosperous and vibrant clean economy. The Select Committee’s report affirms this vision and the need to meaningfully involve and value the experience and ideas of environmental justice communities.  In its report, the Committee also highlights what many EJ groups have emphasized for years: to be effective and widely supported, climate policy must do more than cut carbon pollution—it must also address the legacy of environmental racism and deliver real benefits to communities, including cleaner air and water, improved public health, economic and workforce development assistance, and access to natural spaces.” - Richard Moore, National Co-Coordinator, Los Jardines Institute

“The COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate havoc in communities of color and low income is a symptom of a larger issue: a legacy of structural racism that resulted in policies and practices that facilitate extreme weather zones, economic impoverishment, environmental degradation, diminished health states, a lack of social cohesion, and other adverse living conditions. This is our time to address this legacy and the Climate Crisis Action Plan can be an effective tool for advancing substantive discourse and producing just laws that center remediation in climate policy, deliver energy democracy and economic benefit to low-income communities, improve indoor and outdoor air quality to actually meet attainment standards, and produce green spaces and healthy food systems that positively influence our morbidity and mortality rates. We look forward to working with members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and all of our congressional leaders to create bold and equitable solutions that deliver on the pillars of the Climate Crisis Action Plan, where appropriate, and that lead to tangible gains in resolving the climate crisis.” – Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice

“Across the nation, Americans are already feeling the effects of climate change. Hurricanes and tropical storms are getting stronger and more frequent, water level rise is impacting not only our East and West Coasts but even the Great Lakes, increased droughts and longer fire seasons have devastated the West, and temperature record after temperature record is being broken. At the same time, our nation is battling the interconnected crises of income and racial inequality. The gap between working Americans and CEOs grows wider, and systemic racism—alongside its many consequences—exacerbates these issues for communities of color. The solutions for these crises are as interconnected as their causes and we are happy to see that many of those solutions are included in the report released today by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, with commitments to increasing union density across the economy—including in clean energy sectors—that will ensure that climate investments deliver good jobs and healthier communities; rebuilding and investing in clean, American manufacturing; and ensuring fairness for workers and communities impacted by the transition. The report is far-reaching and we look forward to working with leadership in the House to put a plan into action that provides solutions to create a stronger, cleaner, and more equitable economy that works for all Americans.” - Jason Walsh, Executive Director, BlueGreen Alliance

“I applaud the ambition in this document and am pleased to see an emphasis on equity and environmental justice that has been sorely lacking from previous federal policy. These recommendations would also be much-needed wind in the sails of local governments across the country trying to build healthier communities. We've got to transform into an equitable, thriving, sustainable society for all; if 2020 has taught us anything, it's how far we have to go, but how much we can do together. The time is now.” - Nils Moe, Executive Director, Urban Sustainability Directors Network

“Enterprise was honored to advise the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis as it prepared this powerful report, and we commend the Committee for placing an intentional focus on justice and equity. The recommendations combine best practices in climate resilience with actionable strategies to provide more resources and risk assessments for the communities that are disproportionately impacted by our changing climate.” - Priscilla Almodovar, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Community Partners

STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL LEADERS

“I'm grateful to see a bold and detailed plan like this from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. It is an important step toward the strong federal leadership we desperately need on climate change.” – Jay Inslee, Governor, Washington State

“The climate crisis affects our cities and our states, our nation and our entire world -- and if Congress is looking for a roadmap for climate action, then our bipartisan coalition of 448 mayors can point the way to a more fair, equitable, and sustainable future for our workers, families, and communities. Cities stand on the front lines of the ill effects of climate change -- and the innovative solutions -- and the Climate Crisis Action Plan is the kind of bold, comprehensive step we need at the federal level to protect our planet, invest in clean energy, support our workforce, and build a more just economy for every American.” -  Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chair, Climate Mayors 

“The House Select Committee's report confirms what science has been telling us for decades: manmade climate change and its related impacts are the largest challenges humanity has ever faced, and that successfully confronting climate change will require the aggressive collective action of all nations, peoples, communities, and businesses. The incredible brain trust of Indian Country -- its leaders, scientists, policy and technical experts, and workers of every type -- is working hard to confront and overcome the challenge of climate change on our sovereign and ancestral homelands, and we call on our fellow sovereign partner, the United States federal government, to finally accept reality and fulfill its moral duty and trust responsibilities to safeguard a healthy future for all Americans for generations to come.” - Fawn Sharp, President, Quinault Indian Nation, National Council of American Indians

“As communities across the country feel the impacts from climate change, local leaders continue to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt local infrastructure, services and economies to become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. The National League of Cities is pleased to see Congress leading with urgency to address the important issue of climate change and support the action that is happening in cities, towns and villages across the country. The comprehensive and economy-wide policy recommendations will commit the full strength of our country toward a common and urgent goal. As we have seen in recent months through this public health crisis, we cannot afford to leave any segment of our communities behind, and we commend the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for a strong focus on environmental justice.” - Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities

“Local communities and governments are leading the battle to combat climate change. By working together, we can all benefit by sharing our experiences and best practices during this rapidly changing environment. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across levels of government to address the climate emergencies we collectively face.” - Commissioner Brigid Shea, Travis County Commissioner, and Board Chair, ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability

“Local governments are on the frontline of the pandemic. And yet, they are uniquely positioned to lead and emerge from the current crisis stronger and more resilient than ever by using data driven decisions such as greenhouse gas emission inventories to, in the words of UN Secretary General António Guterres, ‘build back better.’” - Dan Stiles, Founding Partner at Stiles Legal and Board Member, ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability

“Local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development are the lenses through which our network of more than 1,750 local governments work. We are excited to see the strong alignment between the Congressional Action Plan and the priorities of our network members, and we look forward to working with our state and federal partners to achieve these ambitious climate targets.” - Angie Fyfe, Executive Director, ICLEI USA

“Florida is uniquely vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as hurricane storm surge and flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme heat. The City of Orlando is committed to eliminating our own emissions by 2050 and doing our part to lower the future risk to residents. We are already well on our way to powering our city on 100 percent clean energy, transitioning our City of Orlando fleet and buses to zero-emission electric, and retrofitting homes and buildings to be more efficient and resilient. Cities cannot face climate change alone and we welcome the House Select Committee's plan for action to address the challenges that we face.” - Buddy Dyer, Mayor, Orlando (FL)

“Addressing the climate crisis requires a comprehensive plan like the one the Climate Select Committee is proposing to dramatically reduce the dangerous carbon pollution warming our planet. If Congress acts, we can help people save money on power bills, create new high-paying jobs, and develop new technologies that will usher in a transition to an American-based, clean energy economy. Vulnerable coastal communities like ours in Pinellas County need action now to avoid the worst implications of sea level rise and climate change, and this proposal gives us hope.” - County Commissioner Janet C. Long, Pinellas County, Florida

“Virginia is committed to building capacity for our coastal region to prepare for and ensure resilience to the existential threat of rising waters and recurrent flooding - we need the support of a coordinated nationwide federal response to make this happen. With this Congressional Action Plan, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis outlines meaningful actions to address this threat – by developing and implementing science-based national policy, standards, and processes to address and prepare for climate impacts, by implementing a National Climate Adaptation Program to coordinate across Federal agencies to deliver just and equitable assistance to vulnerable communities, and by institutionalizing interoperability and resilience planning and preparedness at the Federal Level.” - Ann C. Phillips, Rear Admiral, US Navy (Ret.), Special Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection, Commonwealth of Virginia

NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AND PUBLIC LANDS

“Climate change is a crisis that affects us all, with grave consequences for our economy, our health, and our environment. From freeing our public lands from the grasp of fossil fuel special interests, protecting and expanding nature’s own carbon sinks, to kick-starting the growth of regenerative organic agriculture, the time for climate action and climate justice is now. The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis’ Action Plan is a blueprint for such action, and no-one should remain on the sidelines.” - Avi Garbow, Patagonia’s Environmental Advocate and Former EPA General Counsel, Patagonia

“The Committee’s report is a huge achievement, providing innovative solutions and a roadmap for Congress to address climate change. Importantly, the report highlights a long-neglected but critical part of the puzzle - nature-based solutions, like forests – where investments by Congress will benefit landowners, communities and our country by protecting high-carbon ecosystems vital for climate change mitigation and adaptation, while stimulating the rural economy.” - Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International

“The climate crisis we're facing is indisputable and we need to act now. We applaud the Select Committee for releasing its report – a comprehensive blueprint for addressing the effects of climate change. We are particularly pleased to see recommendations to protect and connect wildlife habitats, increase funding for private lands conservation and address climate threats to endangered species. And we were encouraged that the report also recommends reversing some of the climate-damaging policies and practices enacted by the Trump administration. Our hope is that the Select Committee’s recommendations will soon become actions.” - Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO, Defenders of Wildlife

“The Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has taken an important step for our ocean and coastal communities with the release of their final report of recommendations. We’re particularly excited to see the report include recommendations for how the ocean can be a vital contributor of climate solutions, including adaptation and mitigation. We applaud the work of the Committee and Chair Castor, and look forward to working with lawmakers as they craft new legislation that addresses climate change—which is the greatest threat to our ocean—and recognizes the important role of the ocean in protecting our communities and planet.” - Janis Searles Jones, CEO, Ocean Conservancy

“We are pleased to see leaders in Congress committing to comprehensively tackle the climate crisis and recognizing the necessary role public lands must play. For far too long the federal government has managed our public lands to prioritize fossil fuel extraction, leading to nearly a quarter of the nation’s emissions coming from public lands and disproportionately impacting Indigenous communities and communities of color. This report provides guidance on how our public lands and waters should provide an immediate opportunity for the federal government to act on climate – as a natural tool to reduce dangerous climate emissions, as a network of large landscapes to protect clean air, water and wildlife, and as a foundation for rebuilding communities dependent on fossil fuels.” - Jamie Williams, CEO, The Wilderness Society

“We need immediate, bipartisan action to protect people and help slow climate change, and I am encouraged by the recommendations put out today by the House Select Committee on the Climate Change Crisis. From the national goal of protecting at least 30% of all U.S. lands and ocean areas by 2030 to adopting natural climate solutions as a practical measure in combating climate change, these give us a clear road map forward. We commend Chair Kathy Castor for leading this effort and for these important recommendations.” - Bill Lee, Senior VP of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations, The Trust for Public Land

“We commend the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis National Climate Select report for its recommendations to protect Alaska’s major carbon-storing landscapes including the Tongass National Forest and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It is critical that Congress recognize Alaska’s position on the front lines of climate change and the need to ensure the climate resiliency of its frontline communities. America’s public lands should play a large role in our nation’s climate solutions, and Alaska is unique in its ability to store large amounts of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Addressing oil and gas leasing and development in America’s largest national wildlife refuge and the clearcutting of our largest national forest must be part of the climate solutions conversation.” - Leah Donahey, Legislative Director, Alaska Wilderness League

“Forests are the best nature-based solution to climate change. We can bring that solution to life on forests that are publicly owned, privately owned, in cities and in large rural landscapes. American Forests thanks the Select Committee for advancing a science-based, hands-on approach that will mobilize people and organizations across America’s forest sector to deliver forest-climate solutions.” - Jad Daley, President and CEO, American Forests

“The effects of climate change are happening now, and our national parks and nearby communities are on the frontlines. Namesake features at Glacier and Saguaro National Parks are disappearing from hotter temperatures, Everglades National Park is being lost to rising tides, and Rocky Mountain National Park is experiencing record wildfires. The same effects scarring our parks are also devastating surrounding communities, particularly those of color, who are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. We can’t continue to watch our people and parks suffer without taking action. Fortunately, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis is taking on this challenge, laying the groundwork to fight back against one of the greatest threats our people and parks face. And we urge all of Congress to join us with the same resolve and intention.” - Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association

“The report highlights how inadequate bonds and royalties fail to fund reclamation of abandoned oil and gas wells, and coal and hardrock mines, leaving public and private lands a mess and passing the clean-up burden on taxpayers. By investing now in reclamation, we are also investing in a cleaner future while creating vital jobs and reducing the climate burden posed by energy development.” - Barbara Vasquez, Oil & Gas Chair, Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC)

“The Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has recognized the critical role of the ocean to fight climate change. The threats climate change poses are not restricted to our coasts, but rather affect us all, including our inland communities. We are hopeful that these recommendations usher in strong and effective policies to ensure a better future for us and for our ocean.” - Vicki Nichols Goldstein, Executive Director, Inland Ocean Coalition

“Oceana commends the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for recognizing the urgent need for policies that leverage and protect our planet's greatest resource: the ocean. Dangerous gaps in environmental safeguards currently allow industries to worsen the climate crisis, risking the health and future of our oceans, which we depend on for food and livelihoods. Oceana applauds the committee's landmark report recommending actionable steps to combat climate change. As recommended in this report, Congress must stop the expansion of dirty and dangerous offshore drilling, including seismic airgun blasting; expand protections for ocean and coastal ecosystems; ensure responsible fisheries management and protection of ocean wildlife; and pass policies like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which would reduce the unnecessary single-use plastic polluting our oceans and reduce its contribution to climate change. Saving our blue planet will require aggressive action—it's time for the United States to fulfill its duty as a world leader and pass federal legislation that comprehensively addresses the climate threat and protects our oceans.” - Beth Lowell, Deputy Vice President for U.S. Campaigns, Oceana

“We applaud the Select Committee on Climate Change for the inclusion of ocean, coastal, and wetlands priorities,” noted Daniel Hayden, President and CEO for Restore America’s Estuaries. “Putting the spotlight on issues such as natural infrastructure, blue carbon, and coastal resilience will strengthen our nation’s coasts and estuaries and the people, economies and habitats that rely on them. We look forward to working with the Committee to make these recommendations a reality.” - Daniel Hayden, President and CEO, Restore America's Estuaries

“The Select Committee has done the yeoman’s work of developing a package of legislative concepts designed to bring our federal land management agencies into the 21st Century by focusing on resilience, restoration, and responsible, science-based and climate-informed management. Embracing diverse partnerships, research, and stewardship, the Committee’s report charts a climate-smart path forward for our public lands and the communities that depend on them for water, wildlife, and ways of life. America needs these ideas and programs now more than ever.” - Susan Jane Brown, Wildlands Program Director, Western Environmental Law Center

ELECTRICITY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, CLEAN ENERGY, & CLEAN TRANSPORTATION

“I commend the leadership and staff of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for their tireless work on the much anticipated and timely release of its Climate Crisis Action Plan which sets the nation on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050. The framework of this report outlines important science-based policy recommendations that if enacted, will help ensure that the solar industry continues its growth while helping every American, regardless of economic status, obtain access to the broad opportunities that our industry creates with clean, reliable and affordable energy. We look forward to working with the Committee as this report evolves into legislative action.” -Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association

“We commend the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for taking this comprehensive approach to climate-related legislation. This report underlines the top methods by which the U.S. should pursue policy solutions that protect the environment and ensure a prosperous American economy. Markets and fair competition are essential tools if America is to efficiently reduce carbon emissions, and so AWEA appreciates the Committee’s focus on carbon pricing and a Clean Energy Standard – two flexible, market-based approaches to swiftly and cost-effectively address the climate crisis. We also commend the report for being ambitious enough to tackle the real change needed in the energy sector, such as recognizing the importance of improving the electric system to meet climate targets. As an emissions-free energy source, U.S. onshore and offshore wind power stand ready to play a leading role in affordably reducing carbon pollution, while investing in local communities and providing good-paying jobs across the country.” - Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

“ESA commends the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for continuing to prioritize meaningful recommendations that include support for a stand-alone investment tax credit for energy storage. Energy storage is an enabling technology that aligns with the Committee’s focus on grid resilience, achieving net zero emissions, and bringing clean and advanced energy sources to our electric grid. We thank the Select Committee for understanding the importance of a storage ITC to foster resilient, efficient, sustainable and affordable electric service. ESA encourages Congress to pass legislation that includes a storage ITC with a direct payment option to support economic recovery and make the American economy more resilient.” - Kelly Speakes-Backman, CEO, U.S. Energy Storage Association

“The Select Committee’s proposals would help a great deal in building the grid we need to access the nation’s vast renewable resources and power more sectors of the economy.” - Rob Gramlich, Executive Director, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid

“The Select Committee recognizes the importance of clean, distributed energy resources as solutions to simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience. AEMA supports the recommendations in the report and hopes that Congress can move quickly to enact policies that give customers choices and empower people and entrepreneurs to combat the climate crisis while increasing the flexibility of our power grid.” - Katherine Hamilton, Executive Director, Advanced Energy Management Alliance

“With COVID-19, more frequent and severe weather events, and the country coming to terms with persistent racial injustice, it is critical that environmental justice communities and those on the frontlines of the climate crisis are prioritized as the nation transitions to a clean energy future. As these recommendations put forth, federal and state policies and investments must be focused on advancing the adoption of innovative clean energy technologies, such as distributed solar and energy storage, in under-resourced communities to strengthen the resilience of economically, environmentally, and medically vulnerable populations.” - Seth Mullendore, Vice President and Project Director, Clean Energy Group

“Today’s Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Majority Report lives up to its charge of honoring our responsibility to be good stewards of the planet for future generations. It’s substantive, thorough and firmly grounded in science. Pairing a national clean energy standard with smart tax incentives to attract capital, lower cost and accelerate renewable deployment is a proven formula for decarbonizing the grid. The policy recommendations for emerging markets like energy storage and offshore wind would be especially helpful in realizing the full potential of modern clean energy technologies. And the suite of transmission building blocks outlined in the report could at long last move us towards a 21st century Macro Grid that creates jobs, saves consumers money, and drives economic growth. We commend Chair Castor and all Committee members for the tremendous effort that went into producing this report, and we look forward to working with Congress to advance these critical climate and clean energy priorities into law.” - Gregory Wetstone, CEO, ACORE (American Council on Renewable Energy)

“These proposed reforms would help us address our climate crisis by ensuring that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission allows clean energy to compete fairly in power markets and that it fully consider the climate impacts of gas pipeline and gas export projects. We look forward to helping turn these promising proposals into reality.” - John Moore, Director, Sustainable FERC Project

“AEE commends the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for its comprehensive analysis on how the United States can reach a 100% clean energy economy by 2050. Our nation has a significant opportunity to transition rapidly to advanced energy resources to meet ambitious climate goals, while driving economic recovery, creating millions of jobs, producing savings for consumers and business, and enhancing grid reliability. Leveraging competitive wholesale markets is a critical component to achieving a 100% clean energy system in the fastest and most affordable way. As the Committee notes, we must remove barriers that prevent advanced energy resources from fully accessing these markets. We look forward to working with Congress to achieve these goals.” - Nat Kreamer, CEO, Advanced Energy Economy

“Energy efficiency is the single most effective climate solution we have, and we’re excited to see the Select Committee focusing on the enormous benefits that efficiency can deliver. These recommendations – such as expanding energy efficiency tax incentives, ramping up weatherization assistance and strengthening building efficiency through small business grants and aggressive public facility retrofits – can go a long way toward advancing efficiency while also creating enormous economic activity, job creation and emissions reductions. We applaud the committee for this exhaustive effort and look forward to working with Congress in getting many of these recommendations implemented into law.” - Clay Nesler, Interim President, Alliance to Save Energy

“This report recognizes the critical role of energy efficiency in meeting the climate crisis while strengthening the economy. In order to slash carbon emissions, we need to put people to work on cutting energy waste in homes and commercial buildings, decarbonizing industry, and making efficient electric vehicles. The Committee has done tremendous work identifying many of the key solutions; the challenge now is getting them done.” - Steven Nadel, Executive Director, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

“Public Citizen applauds the Select Committee’s leadership to address equity and consumer protections. We share the Committee’s vision that equitable electric power market decarbonization is achievable when FERC and the RTOs fully democratize access for the public interest, including intervenor funding.” - Tyson Slocum, Director, Energy Program, Public Citizen

“Accelerating clean energy innovation is the sine qua non for federal policy to address climate change, but the federal government is investing far too little in the initiatives and programs to support it. ITIF commends the Committee’s report for recognizing the importance of innovation in solving global climate change and strongly supports the thrust of its recommendations to scale up and modernize federal clean energy innovation programs.” - Rob Atkinson, President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

“EDTA applauds the Select Committee for its recognition of the central role that electrified transportation will play in reducing carbon emissions. The committee’s recommendations to accelerate technology development, support U.S. manufacturing and increase deployment of electric vehicles and infrastructure will help to build a sustainable transportation sector while increasing our energy and economic security.” - Genevieve Cullen, President, Electric Drive Transportation Association

“Transportation is the single largest source of carbon pollution in the U.S. in part because federal transportation policy has long prioritized high-speed, long-distance car travel at the expense of cleaner and more affordable transportation options as well as shorter or shared car trips. The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis lays out the comprehensive, forward-thinking plan we need to change that paradigm, calling to substantially increase funding for public transit, make it safer and easier to make short trips by biking and walking, build more affordable housing near transit where it’s needed most, expand rail infrastructure, and change how we measure success in transportation to stop incentivizing transportation investments that contribute to catastrophic climate change. Transportation for America looks forward to working with federal leaders to make these important changes happen.” - Beth Osborne, Director, Transportation for America

PROMINENT CLIMATE MITIGATION AND RESILIENCE EXPERTS

“I welcome the Select Committee’s Climate Crisis Action Plan, a long overdue blueprint for federal action on climate. I applaud its focus on creating new jobs, building back by accelerating clean energy solutions, & putting communities of color at the center.” – Vice President Al Gore

“This is one of the most comprehensive collections of proposed federal climate policies, one of the few to address not only reducing emissions but also adaptation to the physical risks of climate change, and perhaps the first since the onset of the Covid pandemic to also deal with the newly recognized public health risks. If this plan is enacted and implemented, the U.S. will have moved a long way toward meeting the climate crisis at the scale required.” - Michael Gerrard, Professor and Director, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School

“By establishing key emission reduction goals, focusing on building resilience to climate impacts, and advancing environmental justice, the Climate Crisis Action Plan provides the nation an essential roadmap to a healthier, safer, and more secure future.” - The Honorable Alice C. Hill, Senior Fellow for Climate Change Policy, Council on Foreign Relations

“We are pleased to see that the Committee's report, “Solving the Climate Crisis”, recognizes the significant impacts of climate change on national security and includes several important recommendations in response. Their recommendations align with those that the Center for Climate and Security has embraced in its Climate Security Plan for America, and they build on the important bipartisan work of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. We urge both the Administration and the Congress to continue prioritizing response to address this important national security threat.” - John Conger, Director, Center for Climate and Security

“The Geological Society of America appreciates the recognition of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis of the important role of science in addressing climate change. GSA supports expanding research and public education of climate disruption that is already occurring and will continue to affect our Nation’s economic and environmental well-being. The full capabilities of a diverse workforce will be necessary to meet these challenges, and GSA supports initiatives designed to increase the numbers of underrepresented groups in climate and geo-science. GSA also encourages development of ways to adapt at all scales to the hazards tied to climate change, including exacerbated floods, heat, and droughts, and exploration of all possible ‘green’ energy sources to add to the Nation’s energy portfolio.” - Donald Siegel, President, Geological Society of America

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR POLICY

“Achieving decarbonization of the industrial sector means enabling innovation and investments that will be necessary to position US industries as global leaders for this century. The pathway involves near-term and long-term technological solutions that vary across the industrial sector. A multi-dimensional policy framework is needed to promote research and development, flexible efficiency standards, government procurement, labeling and data disclosure; support carbon pricing; and provide incentives for directed technological change. Key policy pillars will drive innovation and investment, support industry, and protect communities in the energy transformation that is necessary to achieve deep decarbonization.” - Dallas Burtraw, Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future (RFF)

Please note that RFF is an independent, nonprofit research institution that improves environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. The views expressed here are those of the individual and may differ from those of other RFF experts, its officers, or its directors. RFF does not take positions on specific legislative proposals.

“Carbon removal, both tech and land-based, is a critical tool in reaching climate goals. Scaling it, along with other essential mitigation technologies and practices, will require comprehensive federal policy—and soon. The Select Committee's report lays out important pathways for immediate action and we hope to see policymakers use the report to begin introducing and moving legislation in the weeks and months to come.” - Noah Deich, Executive Director, Carbon180

“The Combined Heat and Power Alliance applauds the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for recognizing combined heat to power can play an important role in solving climate change. The Committee is right; we should use more Combined Heat and Power to cut carbon emissions by providing clean heat and electricity, while saving consumers money, creating jobs, and increasing grid resilience.” - David Gardiner, Executive Director, Combined Heat and Power Alliance

“This report focuses first and foremost on reducing and removing carbon to help bring our emissions to zero - essential work to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. It recommends a whole of government approach, including new authorization for research and demonstrations, and investments in innovation. If the U.S. is to lead the world in this emerging market, such steps are essential.” - Dr. Julio Friedmann, Senior Research Scholar, Center for Global Energy Policy

“This timely and critically important report aligns with the global science community in calling for the rapid scale-up of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The removal of excess carbon from the air, using both technological and natural methods, is an essential part of any solution for a stable climate. Even the most ambitious emission reductions will miss the mark without it. Making the U.S. a leader in carbon dioxide removal is smart climate policy that comes with significant economic benefits, and the government has an important role to play in making that happen. This report is an important step in that direction.” - Roger Ullman, Executive Director, Linden Trust for Conservation

“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and numerous other credible institutions, studies, as well as net-zero committed governments have highlighted the essential role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in achieving a net-zero emissions global economy. CCS technologies are particularly important because they both avoid CO2 emissions at point source, as well as decrease at scale the stock of CO2 emissions already in the atmosphere through carbon removal technologies such as direct air capture. Currently, the US is a global leader in CCS with 10 large-scale plants operating and a further 9 18 in various stages of development, as well as 45Q, the most progressive CCS-specific incentive globally. The United States' continued leadership in innovation is crucial to the necessary, 100-fold scale up of and access to CCS globally, an enabling technology for a globally equitable energy transition. As such, the Global CCS Institute welcomes the Select Committee’s recommendations to encourage carbon dioxide removal and storage measures in order to remove excess past emissions, reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, and to support the developing world’s efforts to decarbonize.” - Brad Page, CEO, Global CCS Institute

“The Carbon Capture Coalition welcomes the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis’s recognition of carbon capture’s essential role in limiting warming to 1.5 °C. Carbon capture offers a unique opportunity to reduce our nation’s carbon emissions while preserving and creating high-wage energy, industrial and manufacturing jobs. We are pleased to see the Select Committee’s majority report contain a number of common-sense federal policy measures that will accelerate domestic economywide deployment of carbon capture technologies in the industrial, power, and direct air capture sectors.” - Brad Crabtree, Director, Carbon Capture Coalition

“Heating and cooling accounts for more than 25 percent of total energy use across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors at a cost of $270 billion annually in the United States, and is a significant source of carbon emissions. The Renewable Thermal Collaborative commends the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for recognizing the importance of supporting low- and zero-emission thermal solutions in their report.” - Blaine Collison, Executive Director, Renewable Thermal Collaborative

“Tax credits for low-emission or decarbonized hydrogen could help lower our carbon footprint by incentivizing production and use of this zero carbon emissions fuel.” - Alan Krupnick, Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future (RFF)

Please note that RFF is an independent, nonprofit research institution that improves environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. The views expressed here are those of the individual and may differ from those of other RFF experts, its officers, or its directors. RFF does not take positions on specific legislative proposals.

CLIMATE-FORWARD INVESTMENT

“We applaud Rep. Kathy Castor and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for their leadership and thoughtful set of recommendations released today. In particular the identification, disclosure and management of climate-related systemic risks to the US financial system are of vital importance and should take place in short order. The Federal Reserve, Financial Stability Oversight Council, US Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (on which I serve on the Climate-related Market Risk Subcommittee) and other agencies are perfectly positioned to evaluate and act upon climate risk in in a way that protects investors and the integrity of the US economy.” - Mindy S. Lubber, CEO and President, Ceres

“The Select Committee is wise to recommend policies to better illuminate the financial risks associated with climate change, already rippling through America’s financial system and pummeling average taxpayers who are left to bear the direct and indirect costs of extreme weather, super-hurricanes, floods, forest fires and other events.” - Paula DiPerna, Special Advisor, CDP, CDP

“The BCSE is gratified to see strong pillars of action and many smart policy pathways highlighted in the Select Committee’s report. BCSE also applauds the Committee’s extensive outreach across the nation to communities and to the many industry stakeholders. The report clearly identifies clean energy deployment as a priority to slow climate change, drive economic growth, and maintain America’s international competitiveness. Investments in infrastructure and the domestic manufacturing sector will strengthen supply chains and ensure that the clean energy sector can deliver the products and services needed to meet clean energy and climate goals across the country and the world. Clean energy is a bipartisan priority, and the BCSE will work to foster increased public collaboration between the Democratic and Republican members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. The Joint Republican Statement on the Democratic Staff Report shows many areas of alignment for the parties on American industry and innovation. While the recommendations in this report begin their path through the legislative process, BCSE urges Congress to pass the American Energy Innovation Act, which has amassed strong bipartisan support under the leadership of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Joe Manchin (D-WV), as a foundational first step.” - Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)

INNOVATION AND DEPLOYMENT

“The Coalition for Green Capital applauds the inclusion of the National Climate Bank in the Select Committee’s report. This crucial financing tool would spark a rapid and just clean energy transition through a combination of public and private investment, especially in frontline and communities of color, that would drive down climate impacts while creating 5.4 million clean energy jobs.” - Jeffrey Schub, Executive Director, Coalition for Green Capital

“As elected leaders on both sides of the aisle work toward legislative solutions that speed the transition to clean energy while addressing the real drivers of climate change, we believe it is critical that the nation takes decisive action to enable a technological transformation on an unprecedented scale. We welcome the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis’ recommendations to make necessary and substantial investments in clean energy innovation, provide incentives that empower U.S. businesses and families to choose alternatives, and level the playing field for affordable, reliable, low-carbon solutions to compete.” - Breakthrough Energy

“Biotech companies that develop and manufacture sustainable fuels and other biobased products are helping to decarbonize the transportation and manufacturing sectors, reducing air pollution, mitigating other harmful environmental impacts, and improving public health. A national low carbon fuel standard can build off the worthy intentions of the RFS. We’ve seen how such policies implemented at the state level at BIO’s urging have invigorated the use of clean fuels and helped to achieve a reduced climate footprint. The report also recognizes the need to develop cost-effective, scalable methods to measure and quantify carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction on farms and ranches, and study the feasibility of developing a federal tax credit to incentivize carbon sequestration and abatement on farms. Other recommendations include the need for biology-based tools to enable agriculture to adapt and be part of the solution to climate change such as the development of feed additives. BIO appreciates the committee for recognizing the role that clean energy, green manufacturing and agricultural innovation play in mitigating climate change, protecting human health and bolstering a biobased economy. As the committee and Congress work to address climate change, we believe the inclusion of pro-innovation policies and technologies will help expand American leadership in this space, reduce our dependence on foreign sources of supply and demand, and reinvigorate rural and other economically struggling communities across the United States.” - Stephanie Batchelor, Vice President, Industrial and Environmental Section, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

PUBLIC HEALTH

“The Select Committee's recommendations underscore the healthcare sector’s critical role in supporting community health and resilience in the face of climate impacts. As the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear, we must build a more resilient public health and health care system that protects all Americans and works to heal the glaring racial and economic disparities that make people more vulnerable to harm and disease.” - Gary Cohen, President and Founder, Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth

“An undeniable link exists between climate change and public health. The Select Committee’s report states that public health departments at the federal, state and local levels need to be equipped with resources to safeguard the health of residents, especially those whose health is at disproportionate risk from the impacts of climate change such as communities of color, older adults, and those with disabilities.” - John Auerbach, President & CEO, Trust for America’s Health

“The public is experiencing the health impacts of climate change today. As the American Lung Association stated in our annual “State of the Air” report, climate change is driving increases in air pollution that puts the health of millions of people at risk. People of color are at a higher risk of the impacts of pollution and climate change. The American Lung Association is encouraged that the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis’s report prioritizes health and equity. The commitment to engaging communities of color, low-income communities, and tribal and indigenous communities, implementing and enforcing robust pollution cleanup policies, and preparing the nation’s health infrastructure are important steps. We look forward to working with Congress on legislation that strengthens the Clean Air Act to reduce pollution, increase clean, non-combustion renewable electricity, electrify transportation and mitigate the harms of climate change. Climate change threatens the health and lives of far too many Americans, and we commend the Committee for recognizing and prioritizing health protection in the report.” – Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO, Amercan Lung Association

“‘Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America’ is a welcome call to action from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. We were particularly pleased by the call to put environmental justice at the center of federal climate and environmental policy. The climate crisis is a symptom of an exploitive system that endangers us all, but especially those frontline, vulnerable and indigenous communities that have been disproportionately burdened by the fossil fuel economy. A visionary solution to fighting climate change begins by fully engaging with those communities. We look forward to working with Congressional leaders on formulating the bold legislation required to stop and reverse the climate emergency and protect the health of every single American.” - Jeff Carter, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility

“The climate crisis is affecting the health of all Americans, particularly children, people of color, and other vulnerable populations. We must focus the resources of the Federal Government to protect health and mitigate the impending climate catastrophe.” - Alan H. Lockwood MD, Board Member, Physicians for Social Responsibility

“We welcome the release of today’s report which includes important recommendations supported by the American Public Health Association to combat the serious health threats we face from climate change, one of our nation’s greatest public health challenges. Climate change threatens our nation’s health in many ways, from exposure to extreme weather to worsening air pollution to the spread of insect-borne disease. In addition to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by at least 2050, the report importantly also recommends the development of a national strategic action plan and increased funding for CDC’s Climate and Health Program both of which are essential in helping our nation’s public health system prepare for and respond to the threats their communities face from climate change. We look forward to working with all members of Congress on efforts to reduce the health threats posed by climate change and create a healthier nation.” - Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association

CLIMATE RESILIENCE

“The Committee’s report is both important and timely. While focusing on the long-term impacts of climate change, it also demands us to focus right now on ways to advance resilience and adaption. These actions will help those who live in predominantly black and low income communities strengthen their homes and better prepare for severe weather today and in the future.” - Roy Wright, Executive Director, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

“The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis took an enormous task to provide an action plan that will prepare our country for the impacts of climate change through adaptation, and help to avoid the most grievous climate threats through climate mitigation. We are heartened that the Action Plan highlights how adaptation and mitigation are hand in hand solutions to confronting the climate crisis. We especially appreciate that these recommendations recognize the importance of addressing the needs of frontline and EJ communities and we are pleased to call upon Congress to follow these recommendations to ensure that future climate policies advance justice and equity across the United States. 

The American Society of Adaptation Professionals has appreciated the opportunity to provide input to these recommendations and we hope that decision makers will recognize that this comprehensive set of needs and recommended actions must be taken holistically in order to address the magnitude of the climate crisis facing our country. We look forward to continuing to support the House Select Committee work advancing these priorities through legislative action with this Congress and beyond.” - Beth Gibbons, Executive Director, American Society of Adaptation Professionals

“The Mayors along the Mississippi River are encouraged that the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis is showing the kind of long-term thinking that is necessary to meet the ‘challenge of our time.’ Working together, local governments and our federal partners can take bold action to keep our communities safe and our economy strong. The report anticipates some of the much-needed natural infrastructure solutions our Mayors have been urging including: securing land to store flood waters, investing in resilience and adaptation, and valuing ecosystem services and projects that address multiple risks at once.” - Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor of Baton Rouge, LA, and Co-Chair, Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative

“Climate Change is not some future risk, the impacts are being felt now in communities across the country and globe. While addressing the causes of global warming, we must also address our failing infrastructure that was built for the past climate and build for the future.” - The Honorable W. Craig Fugate, Former FEMA Administrator

“ASFPM is thrilled to see the hazard of flooding so thoroughly identified in the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis report. Floodplain managers know that the only way to be resilient is to embrace a comprehensive approach that includes technical assistance, resources to help coastal and river communities adapt, building codes and standards. Also the plan appropriately shines a bright light on environmental justice issues.” - Chad Berginnis, CFM, Executive Director, Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)

“The thoughtful blueprint put forward by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis not only addresses the fundamental problems of flood risk in the nation, it also addresses drivers such as carbon emissions, climate change, and science based decision making, and outcomes including disaster recovery, environmental justice and public health to create a comprehensive path forward on how we should be thinking about resilience.“ - Chad Berginnis, CFM, Executive Director, Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)

“The Climate Crisis Action Plan has provided for the nation--for the first time ever--the necessary blueprint to reduce the growing risk of bigger and more destructive wildfires fueled by climate change.” - The Honorable Alice C. Hill, Senior Fellow for Climate Change Policy, Council on Foreign Relations

“Resiliency and adapting to a changing climate go hand in hand, and we must now be anticipating how dramatic changes and disruptions could impact our designs and future infrastructure needs. Therefore, we commend Rep. Castor and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for their leadership and recommendations provided in the comprehensive Climate Crisis Action Plan, which includes many recommendations ASCE presented to the Committee last year. The report recognizes ASCE's Infrastructure Report Card in many of its recommendations, noting the enormous maintenance backlogs our highways and roads are facing, the $80 billion needed in the next 10 years to maintain and strengthen the nation's levees, and the $1 trillion maintenance gap in our nation's water systems. 

We are also thrilled to see the report incorporate our recommendations on: adopting consensus-based and resilience-based codes and standards; support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program; the need for a federal flood risk management standard; programs that boost grid resilience, advance the research and development of climate science, and support innovative technology-based solutions that build resilience;

the use of Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) for all federal projects greater than $5 million; and other ASCE priorities, including increased funding for the Water Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act (WIFIA), the National Dam Safety Program, the High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Program; fully funding the National Levee Safety Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund ; and support for the Outdoors for All Act and the Water Quality Protection & Job Creation Act. 

Investing in community resilience must include rebuilding and building using resilience-based codes and standards-a key recommendation in this report. [...] We look forward to working with Congress to make sure our infrastructure is built for the future, with an eye towards resilience, mitigation, preparedness, and economic opportunities for all.” - K.N. Gunalan “Guna, Ph.D., P.E., President, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

AGRICULTURE AND BIOENERGY

“Climate change is the single greatest threat facing family farmers and ranchers and the global food supply. However, farmers are uniquely positioned to mitigate the effects of climate change and sequester carbon. National Farmers Union supports climate policies that build upon voluntary, incentive-based USDA conservation programs, encourage on farm energy production and biofuels, and market based solutions that will give farmers the tools to make the best decisions for their land. We are encouraged to see the comprehensive consideration by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis of how to best use USDA conservation, research, energy, and other programs to meet these growing challenges. We look forward to working with lawmakers to ensure that any federal climate policy will provide the right tools for family farmers and ranchers.” - Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union

“On behalf of our 9,500 business and farmer members, we thank Chair Castor for her visionary leadership in addressing our climate crisis and highlighting the role organic agriculture plays by sequestering carbon and reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions through practices that build soil health without the use of energy-intensive chemical inputs. Climate Change poses an existential threat to our world and bold policy solutions are needed. Establishing a national organic transition program, increasing technical assistance for organic farmers and incentivizing purchases of healthy organic food in our nation’s schools, hospitals and other institutions are bold steps that will help farmers and local communities while reducing the impact of climate change. Congress should take these recommendations seriously, we stand ready to work with them to bring these solutions to fruition.” - Laura Batcha, CEO, Organic Trade Association

“The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance (SFPA) commends the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for their hard work in putting together their report. SFPA had submitted joint comments with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) to underscore the importance of collaborating across the food and agriculture industry to find U.S.-based solutions to our share of this global threat. We are pleased to see that the report recognizes the important role that farmers, ranchers and the overall food supply can play in solving the climate crisis including creating ambitious and innovative tools that provide an opportunity to create value for farmers, ranchers and others who are implementing practices to cut greenhouse gas emissions. We stand ready to work with the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Congress, the Administration and others.” - Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, Sustainable Food Policy Alliance

“While every sector of the economy must take big strides toward addressing the climate crisis, farmers are uniquely positioned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve carbon right away. As the Committee notes, with the right policy reforms and conservation practices in place, we could significantly reduce emissions from fertilizer application and manure management, capture and store more carbon and make farms and rural communities more resilient to the effects of climate change. EWG applauds Chairwoman Castor and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for putting forward a bold blueprint for reigning in greenhouse gas emissions, including from the farm sector.” - Ken Cook, President, Environmental Working Group

“The National Young Farmers Coalition commends members of the Committee for their efforts to gather and incorporate public comment, testimony and research on the needed solutions to the climate crisis. Just as our agricultural lands are a vital resource in combating climate change, so too are the next generation of farmers and ranchers. There is no time to waste in supporting young farmers and ranchers in implementing practices on their farms that will mitigate the damaging impacts of climate change. The Coalition urges Congress to take swift action to address the effects that climate change is having on our farming communities.” - National Young Farmers Coalition

“Danone North America believes that the climate crisis is a threat to all people and to the food supply and requires urgent action. We are encouraged to see this report provide an overview of many needed policy options. We are also pleased to see that nature-based solutions from the land sector, and agriculture specifically, receive a thorough review in this report, detailing a variety of ideas to help scale the work we are investing in with farming partners across the country. Simply put, none of us can address the climate crisis alone and strong public policy is needed to leverage private investments.” - Chris Adamo, Vice President Federal & Industry Affairs, Danone North America

“The evidence is clear that biofuels offer an immediate path toward decarbonization, while replacing toxic fuel additives that poison our air. Federal data show that U.S. ethanol cuts carbon emissions by 39 percent or more – and that’s only a floor – with the potential to achieve much more thanks to innovations in agriculture and ethanol production. In fact, biofuels are responsible for nearly 80 percent of all the carbon reductions credited under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with the recorded carbon intensity of ethanol declining nearly 33 percent since 2011. We appreciate the hard work of lawmakers seeking to accelerate our progress toward a healthy climate and are pleased that this report recognizes that a zero carbon future must include all clean transportation solutions—from ethanol to electric vehicles. We stand ready to explore policies and opportunities which showcase low-carbon, liquid fuels’ role in reducing emissions and pollution, and driving innovation for low-to-zero carbon renewable fuels.” - Emily Skor, CEO, Growth Energy

“ACE commends the Select Committee for including a recommendation in its report that Congress should develop a technology-neutral Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) which would reward farmers and biofuel producers for using climate-smart practices. It is gratifying so many in Congress are recognizing that increasing the use of ethanol is part of the solution to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Properly crafted low carbon fuel policy built on top of the Renewable Fuel Standard’s success in beginning to break our country’s reliance on petroleum is one of the most meaningful things Congress can do to address climate change.” - Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)

“RFA continues to analyze the report, but at first blush we are highly encouraged by the Select Committee’s acknowledgement that renewable fuels like ethanol can play an important role in reducing the carbon impacts of our nation’s transportation sector in the future,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “RFA agrees with the Committee that widespread use of liquid fuels and internal combustion engines will continue for decades to come, and we welcome the recommendation to create a nationwide technology- and feedstock-neutral Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The Committee correctly points out that the LCFS policy model already has a proven track record and that renewable fuels have played a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the California LCFS. We also concur with the Committee’s position that high-octane, low-carbon fuels could deliver substantial carbon benefits at a low cost in the years ahead.”

Finally, we are very pleased to see the Committee recognize the efforts of a broad coalition of stakeholders—including RFA—who recently developed a framework and set of guiding principles for a Midwest LCFS program. RFA served on the steering committee for the Midwest LCFS coalition, and we prioritized the inclusion of approaches that would reward farmers for reducing the carbon intensity of agricultural practices; we were happy to see the Committee recommend including incentives for lower-carbon farming practices in a national LCFS program.” - Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association

“We applaud the committee members and staff for publishing a report based on scientific findings rather than caving to Big Oil and promoting the outrageous lies they fund. Biofuels like ethanol are an affordable, readily available solution that give all consumers the power to join the Renewable Revolution and are a proven catalyst for successful agriculture, which is key to finding permanent solutions to global challenges like climate change.” - Jeff Broin, Founder and CEO, POET

“NSAC applauds the Select Committee for acknowledging agriculture's critical role in mitigating the climate crisis in their report. Farmers and ranchers work at the frontlines of climate change, and they hold a unique position to sequester carbon in our country’s soils through best management practices for soil health, crop and livestock integration, and agroforestry. The report highlights the tools and resources Congress must provide to equip farmers to adapt to extreme weather and to contribute to the climate solution through carbon sequestration, emissions reductions, and increased resilience. As Congress moves forth with climate legislation, NSAC urges legislators to include the agriculture proposals such as those outlined in the Select Committee's report. Sustainable and regenerative approaches not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, they also provide manifold environmental and economic benefits to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.” - Eric Deeble, Policy Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

“We commend the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for its agricultural policy recommendations. We believe measures to retain and protect farmland, increase carbon sequestration through regenerative agricultural practices, and support the next generation of farmers and ranchers are essential to addressing climate change.” - Tim Fink, Policy Director, American Farmland Trust

“We thank the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for urging robust support for voluntary conservation programs, which provide important technical and financial assistance to dairy farmers who work daily to be strong stewards of natural resources. Importantly, the report also notes the need to make technologies more affordable so that farmers of all sizes and in all regions can adopt them. We have appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this important conversation, and we look forward to working with the Agriculture Committees to continue this work and build further on successes in the 2018 Farm Bill.” - Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

BUILDINGS

“AIA applauds the Select Committee’s leadership with the release of, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America. The report makes clear that through thoughtful policy choices, including tax incentives, research, and direct funding, the federal government can help lead efforts to make net zero energy buildings the expectation for America’s building stock. AIA remains committed to working with policymakers to advance our fight against the climate crisis.”  - Robert Ivy, FAIA, EVP/ Chief Executive Officer, American Institute of Architects

“We have an opportunity to pivot in how we construct and operate buildings, to create spaces that are low-carbon, resilient, and support health – goals that USGBC has been advancing with our LEED program for over two decades. The Select Committee report provides a suite of recommended policies to reduce carbon emissions associated with construction and materials; to increase energy efficiency in homes and businesses through better codes as well as retrofit of existing buildings; to establish emission reduction goals for Federal agency building portfolios; and create more resilient and healthy schools. We have the technologies to transition our buildings, and look forward to working with relevant committees on these policies to accelerate this transformation, benefitting all.” - Elizabeth Beardsley, Senior Policy Counsel, U.S. Green Building Council

“Reducing the energy use of America’s homes and buildings is a critical part of meeting our climate goals. As of May 31st, the energy efficiency industry had already lost over 430,000 jobs since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. We applaud the Select Committee on Climate Crisis staff for recognizing the importance of legislation like the HOPE for HOMES Act as a means to grow the economy and bring those energy efficiency contractors back to work while supporting energy efficient residential products to bolster manufacturing. Upgrading the efficiency of America’s homes is a win for the economy and the climate.” - Pat Stanton, Director of Policy, E4TheFuture

“We appreciate the Select Climate Committee recognizing that America’s homes, and residential contractor community, are on the front-lines of addressing our climate concerns. On behalf of the Building Performance Association’s nearly ten thousand members, we thank the Select Committee on Climate Crisis staff for recognizing the importance of legislation like the HOPE for HOMES Act to not only support clean energy jobs and training, but to also support energy efficient residential products and reduced energy bills for homeowners.” - Steve Skodak, CEO, Building Performance Association

“The Federal Performance Contracting Coalition is pleased that the Select Committee has included numerous provisions to increase the energy efficiency of, and reduce emissions from, the built environment. We are particularly pleased to see attention to the use of performance contracting for that purpose.” - Jennifer Schafer, Executive Director, Federal Performance Contracting Coalition

FAITH LEADERS

“At last, substantive, moral, federal climate policy leadership is emerging from Congress. We are grateful to the members of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for the foundation they have laid through these crucial recommendations. Christian communities stand ready to advance climate solutions that are not only good for God's creation, but that also foster racial and economic justice.” - Shantha Ready Alonso, Executive Director, Creation Justice Ministries

“The climate crisis is the greatest economic, public health, and existential threat of our time. However, if approached with respect for science and expert opinion, clear-eyed leadership, and creative vision, it can become our greatest opportunity. The recently released report from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis does exactly this. In so doing, it provides a blueprint for a future marked not by loss, suffering, and despair, but by hope, justice, and full flourishing for all.” - Young Evangelicals for Climate Action

“We are at a pivotal moment, and it is vital that we create bold plans to ensure a safe, healthy future for our children and grandchildren and jump start the economy with clean, sustainable jobs. This plan will help to create a path forward.  Addressing the climate crisis is crucial to safeguard our families’ health and children’s future. Without bold action, more and more communities across the United States will continue to be hit with more intense extreme weather, farther-reaching wildfires, and hotter and longer-lasting heat waves. The consequences of these devastating events have a long-lasting impact on lives, livelihoods, and local economies. 

Fossil fuel pollution endangers our children’s health and future. This pollution not only fuels the climate crisis, but causes over 200,000 deaths per year in America alone. A recent study connects our warming climate to health threats for pregnant women and their unborn children, and these impacts are disproportionately borne among women of color. Jesus calls us to care for the most vulnerable among us and “for the least of these.” Low-income families, communities of color, and children—born and unborn—are among the most impacted and threatened by the climate crisis. [...]

For major climate action to be truly lasting and effective, solutions must be bipartisan. Now is the time to come together around bipartisan solutions for a cleaner, brighter, and healthy future. Our God transforms bad into good, and we must do the same for our country. We encourage members from both sides of the aisle to carefully consider this plan and work together to develop robust bipartisan climate solutions that create high-paying, stable jobs in a clean energy economy, protect the most vulnerable in our communities, and pass down a cleaner, safer, and healthy future to the next generation.” - Evangelical Environmental Network

LATINX LEADERS

“Oceans help safeguard us from the growing dangers of climate change. Urgent action is needed to protect us and the environments we depend on. It is heartening to see this plan at a time when climate justice must be achieved.” - Marce Graudiņš, Founder & Executive Director, Azul

“Latino communities around the country and around the world are experiencing devastating effects of the climate crisis. Right now, our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico as well as the East Coast are bracing for what is expected to be one of the most intense hurricane seasons in years. This, as the archipelago is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane María three years ago. In Arizona, fires and extreme heat are exacerbating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which is disproportionately affecting our communities. Corazón Latino supports this plan and thanks all of the members that are supporting it. This action is necessary and urgent to avoid further impacts of the climate crisis in our communities as well as to generate economic development and clean jobs for everybody who lives in our country.” - Felipe Benítez, Executive Director, Corazón Latino

 “By investing in concrete climate solutions, we are ensuring that the public health of Latinx, Black, Indigenous and communities of color, are safeguarded as we face three pandemics – COVID-19, the climate crisis and racism. By mitigating climate risks we can simultaneously improve public health and protect people. Now is the time for policies that invest in our communities and address the long-standing environmental racism that affects the daily lives of people of color in this country.” - Amanda Aguirre, Executive Vice President and COO, GreenLatinos

“Now is the moment to create a resilient, just, and sustainable society, economy, and nation. The benefits of climate action, in terms of job creation, personal savings, health, disaster resilience, and equity for suffering communities, vastly outweigh the costs. There is so much work to be done - what better way to replace lost income and provide meaningful work than to prevent the climate crisis and rebuild a more equitable, resilient, and healthy America?” - Shanna Edberg, Director of Conservation Programs, Hispanic Access Foundation

“For too long, Latinx communities have been left behind in climate change solutions. The current coronavirus pandemic underscores that Latinx, Indigenous, and Black communities are suffering from the disproportionate consequences of this marginalization. We look forward to seeing future climate change legislation that provides resources that enable our communities to prevent future damages by addressing the systemic racism that creates these inequitable impacts, and that also creates a substantive process to restore, repair, and heal from the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.” - Laura Esquivel, Senior Vice President of Federal Policy & Advocacy, Hispanic Federation

"As we work to make our communities healthier and safer, we must also ensure justice for Black Indigenous and people of color that have borne the brunt of the current climate crisis and pollution. Equitable climate solutions that address environmental injustices and health disparities must be at the center of any federal policy. We need policies that preserve and expand family-sustaining clean energy jobs for all, advance economic and environmental justice, reduce pollution, and address the current climate crisis. By improving public health and mitigating climate risks to health infrastructure, we can begin to dismantle decades of inequalities linked to environmental injustices and health disparities." - Johana Vicente, Chispa National Director, LCV Chispa

“The Committee’s Action Plan aligns closely with the one Hispanic state legislators had unanimously called on Congress and the President to enact in our December meeting, so we’re very happy. We will work to help Congress pass all related bills and to help our members enact legislation that enables these goals in the 43 states where they serve. The overarching goal will be to address the systemic social, environmental, and economic injustices that   climate change exacerbated, disproportionately affecting indigenous peoples, communities of color, migrant communities, rural communities, the poor, low-income earners, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and young people.” - Kenneth Romero, Executive Director, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

“The National Hispanic Medical Association urges the federal government to support the resiliency of a clean energy economy so that Latinos and other vulnerable communities can lead healthier lives.” - Dr. Elena Rios, CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association

“The climate crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19, is taking a tremendous toll on the wellbeing of Latinx communities around the country. Our communities are suffering the consequences of systemic inequalities that have made us more vulnerable to falling ill, losing our jobs, and deeply affecting our lives.  We welcome today’s plan and recognize that it is a bold yet necessary initiative to urgently address the public health and climate crises that are overwhelmingly affecting communities of color as well as an opportunity to build a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous economic future for all.” - Yadira Sánchez, Co-Executive Director, Poder Latinx

“Despite Florida’s strong economy, our residents face some of the highest economic inequality around the country. Research has shown that over 57 percent of Floridians are unable to cover a $1,000 emergency, ranking us last in the nation for emergency savings. Climate-fueled hurricanes and flooding damage homes and roads, knock out electricity, threaten public health, and take a bite out of paychecks as well as businesses bottom lines. Rising temperatures force families trying to make ends meet to choose between necessities like food or air conditioning. These consequences are hard on Florida residents, the majority of whom live without the safety nets to get by when wages drop, streets flood and electricity bills climb in the wake of dangerous extreme weather events. Income inequality is rising as Florida’s population swells. The burdens of climatic change and rising seas are only getting worse for communities, aging infrastructure, and government and household budgets. Congressional leadership can reduce the public health and economic threats of our communities by focusing federal action on the climate crisis and acknowledging this as a non-partisan, humanitarian crisis that must also be addressed.” - Salome Garcia, Policy and Campaigns Manager, The CLEO Institute

"Low income and communities of color are at the front lines of the climate crisis, living and working in regions that are disproportionately impacted by the dangers of climate change. As temperatures continue soaring, workers all over the country deserve to be protected from the dangers of heat. Farm workers suffer from the highest rates of heat illness and workers in many other outdoor and indoor industries are at risk too. No federal heat standard exists to ensure the safety and health of workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. We must take immediate action to stop unnecessary deaths by creating national heat rules such as those we won in California that clearly define workers’ rights to fresh water, shade, rest breaks and trainings." - Diana Tellefson Torres, Executive Director, UFW Foundation

“Our climate crisis will disproportionately hit working-class and Latino communities throughout the nation.  We need urgent action now to ensure that Latinos will remain resilient in the face of climate change.” - Orson Aguilar, Executive Director, Unidos US Action Fund

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

“I would like to congratulate the Members and staff of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis on creating a strong, comprehensive action plan for the U.S. government to address and combat climate change. The recommendations in this plan are the first step to set our country on a path to grow our economy, while also protecting the health of all Americans and the environment. As the Chairwoman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, addressing the challenge of climate change by listening to and working with the scientific community, the environmental community, and constructive partners in the private sector has been one of my top priorities. In fact, the first hearings I have held each session since becoming Chair have focused on understanding the state of climate science and finding innovative mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the climate crisis. Additionally, the Science Committee has committed to passing bipartisan legislation that invests in nearly all forms of clean energy R&D, consistent with the recommendations in this thoughtful report, as well as innovative research into ocean acidification and plastic waste reduction. I look forward to passing that legislation into law very soon so we can begin to develop abundant strategies to reach a net-zero carbon emission America.” – Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

“Addressing climate change can’t be done with just one bill because the problem is caused by so many connected policy failures. The public rightly demands that Congress stop paying lip service to climate policy and start saving lives by making fundamental reforms. Today’s report is a testament to the important work being done in the Natural Resources Committee and by our colleagues in the House of Representatives to build a more sustainable future and end the environmental and economic injustices of the past.” - Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Chair, Committee on Natural Resources

“As Americans grapple with the economic fallout resulting from COVID-19, a federal jobs program like the Civilian Conservation Corps not only makes sense, it is desperately needed. The dual challenges of putting Americans back to work following COVID-19 and taking substantive action to prevent further climate change will take bold, outside the box proposals and difficult conversations. The fact that my CCC bill was included in Democrats’ climate change plan proves that Congress is not only ready to have that conversation, it is ready to move forward. Reestablishing the CCC would provide unemployed Americans with the opportunity to serve their country through work opportunities that rebuild our natural treasures and roll back the effects of climate change. Members of the 21st Century CCC will engage in the prevention of forest fires, floods and soil erosion; reforestation and eradication of invasive species and flora disease control; and the modernization, design, and construction of trails and facilities throughout our nation’s natural spaces. This legislation has never been as important as it is now. I thank my colleagues on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and look forward to working with them and all Members to move bold proposals like the 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act forward and over the finish line.” – Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chair, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development

“It is encouraging to see both the Select Committee and the larger House Democratic Caucus recognize that agriculture and forestry can be a collaborative part of the solution to the climate crisis. These are indeed critical issues, and I look forward to working on them through the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee. Already in this Congress, we have as a Subcommittee explored important climate issues, including voluntary private land conservation programs within the farm bill, precision agriculture and conservation, soil health, national forests, and more. I look forward to reviewing the report and its recommendations.” -  Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Chair, Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, House Committee on Agriculture 

“No one is more affected by climate change than our farmers and rural communities. We must continue to create energy from renewable sources rather than relying on only fossil fuels. At the intersection of the energy conversation and the climate conversation is the work we do on my subcommittee. The pursuit of plant-based renewable fuels and biobased products help us reduce our carbon footprint, while also supporting the agriculture market that keeps our farmers economically sustainable too. I’m excited to see how we can keep that conversation going in a way that makes sure we’re giving producers of these innovative green energy sources the support they need.” - Rep. David Scott (D-GA), Chair, Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee, House Committee on Agriculture 

“Our work on the subcommittee focuses on advancing agriculture research and extension to ensure that farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to best mitigate risks and keep their operations economically profitable. This research has become dire given the climate change-related increase in severe weather disasters like wildfires, droughts, floods, and hurricanes we’ve seen in the last several years. This report supplements previous subcommittee conversations centered on climate resiliency and implementation of the farm bill, and it underscores the need for additional focus and investment for these efforts. We have heard this message directly from farmers and researchers alike, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance these causes on behalf of our agriculture sector and rural communities.” - Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands), Chair, Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee, House Committee on Agriculture

“The climate crisis isn’t waiting until this pandemic is over, and neither can we. Proud of my House colleagues for putting forward a plan to build a clean economy that's centered on justice and equity. The time to act is now.” - Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), via @SenKamalaHarris