The Hill: This Year versus Last

I had an encouraging experience on Monday and Tuesday. I visited our nation’s capitol to speak with some House members and their staff about climate change.

When I did this last year, it was an uphill battle. I had to constantly defend the scientific facts of global warming, leaving almost no time for a discussion of solutions.

This visit was like night and day. I spoke with members from both sides of the aisle, and there was unanimous agreement about the science. Global warming as a scientific issue is settled.

The issue on everyone’s mind this week was solutions – specifically, legislative options. How can the United States shift to a low-carbon economy that lowers our greenhouse gas emissions, enhances our energy security, and creates economic opportunity and jobs? That’s a tough question, but one we can reach consensus on if we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

What a difference a year makes!