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A day after President Trump did not even utter the words \u201cclimate change\u201d in his State of the Union Address, two separate House committees brought climate change back to the legislative forefront for the first time in years. And after such a long hiatus, it was encouraging to see that a clear theme emerged from both hearings\u2013 climate change is an urgent threat, but we can address it if we attack it head on.<\/p>\n
Here are some things that stood out to us \u2013 the good and the bad \u2013 from the first Congressional hearings on climate change in far too long:<\/p>\n
Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n Hearings brought a long overdue spotlight to this critical issue<\/em><\/p>\n Leadership from both the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change and the full Natural Resources Committee recognized that while the threat of climate change is urgent, there is still time to act. Rep. Paul Tonko, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, invoked NASA\u2019s moon missions as proof positive that America can rise to great technological challenges. \u201cThis climate challenge is not beyond us,\u201d Tonko said. \u201cTime is running out but it is not gone.”<\/p>\n Speakers recognized that acting now is less expensive than ignoring the problem<\/em><\/p>\n Though some lawmakers warned about the cost of action, many lawmakers and speakers made the essential point that acting now will save money down the line. Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone pointed to the devastation his district endured in Superstorm Sandy as evidence that preparation and mitigation of climate change impacts must be tackled head on. \u201cThe costs of not acting are far higher and a lot more painful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n A focus on local impacts <\/em><\/p>\n Committees welcomed witnesses from states across the country, reflecting the heavy burden that local communities face from climate change. Among them, Governors Charlie Baker (R-MA) and Roy Cooper (D-NC) offered a bipartisan picture of constructive progress, one that allows states to chart their own path toward emissions targets while protecting their residents and local businesses. Governor Baker made reference to America\u2019s acid rain problem that reached a dangerous apex in the 90\u2019s, only to see combined state and federal policies work hand in hand to drastically reduce acid rain exposures and protect human health.<\/p>\n