Climate Action Now Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, that is laid before this House now for final consideration.

``The Earth's climate is now changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization.'' This is a direct quote from the Fourth National Climate Assessment issued by our top scientists from across 13 government agencies.

Sea levels are rising; average temperatures are warming; ice is disappearing; and extreme weather is intensifying and becoming more frequent. And we know that in this Chamber, because we are dealing with the consequences of the hurricanes, the fires, too often because of our constituents that are being hurt.

We know this is affecting the lives of growing numbers of Americans all across the country. And even as I stand here, right now, we have floods in my district.

Climate change is an urgent, existential threat we all face, and bold action is demanded at this moment. We have to act together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans.

We don't change treaties. We don't change things because we have had a change in who has been elected President. We respect that office. The consequences of inaction are real, and not only are future generations put at risk each day if we do nothing, so are we.

This begins by ensuring America honors its commitment under the Paris Agreement. Withdrawing is not the answer.

The Climate Action Now Act would simply prevent the United States from using Federal dollars to withdraw from the Paris Agreement; and calls on the President to develop and make public a plan for how the United States will meet its nationally-determined contributions submitted to the world in 2015.

The bill is technology-neutral, so the President has the flexibility to set climate policies and marshal renewable forms of energy. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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