Rnk. Mbr. Grijalva, Natural Resources Committee Democrats Hail Pope Francis' Message of a Cleaner Environment and More Sustainable Use of Resources

Press Release

Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva and Democratic members of the House Natural Resources Committee released the following statements today on Pope Francis' message of a cleaner environment and more sustainable use of resources to benefit humanity.

"The Pope's message of making the world livable for everyone, not just those who already have power over our economy and our environment, resonates far beyond petty politics and daily headlines," Grijalva said. "I join my colleagues and everyone around the world who believes that message needs to be heard sooner rather than later. We can't keep consuming scarce resources, polluting our atmosphere, dumping our trash and paving over our wilderness without expecting consequences. The Pope gave an enormous wakeup call today to everyone who thinks unregulated consumption is an unending free ride. Now we need to turn that wakeup call into lasting action, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that happens."

"Climate change is no longer an academic question for scientists to ponder," said Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.), the ranking member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee. "It is a very real crisis and I applaud Pope Francis for his leadership and strong advocacy on behalf of global action to address the irreversible effects of climate change. Climate change is not a political issue. It is a critical generational responsibility that will take a commitment from governments and world leaders, as well as from each of us at home. It is my hope that Pope Francis' words will help spark action from us all to urgently address critical environmental issues which, if untouched, will cause irreparable harm to current and future generations."

"I'm grateful to Pope Francis for his courageous efforts to raise awareness about the importance of stopping global climate change," said Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.). "As the spiritual leader of the Catholic faith, Pope Francis is helping millions of global citizens realize that climate change is not merely a political football or some distant uncertainty that we can comfortably put out of our minds. Addressing this problem is about following through on our responsibility to our families and to our neighbors, and our moral imperative to leave this world a better place than when we found it. That mission is wholly consistent with the teachings of Catholicism, as well as my own Jewish faith, and I thank Pope Francis for making the world listen."

"I thank Pope Francis for consistently highlighting that our environment is one our greatest treasures and gifts from God," said Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.). "We have a moral obligation to ensure its protection."

"Today Pope Francis challenged us to seek the political courage to tackle some of the most important issues of our time -- migration of people, poverty, climate change, violence," said Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). "He asked us to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves, but above all he encouraged us to seek dialogue, peace, respect and cooperation. At a time of political divide, the Pope's message was loud and clear. I hope it resonates with Members of Congress and with the American people so that we can find middle ground, work together for the common good and respond to the Holy father's calling with action on these critical issues."

"Pope Francis today addressed the U.S. Congress and delivered a message of hope and love," said Del. Madaleine Bordallo (D-Guam). "I commend him for underscoring our responsibility to care for our planet and to reduce the impacts of climate change on our environment. On Guam, we are all too familiar with the impacts of climate change on our community. As the Holy Father emphasized, we cannot leave this work to our children but must act now. More broadly, the Holy Father is reminding Catholics across the globe, but particularly in the United States, that we have a responsibility to take care of those who are most needing in our society. He has reinvigorated the core tenets of our faith and how it applies to some of the policy challenges facing our country. I hope that my colleagues will heed Pope Francis' message and work together to protect our common home for future generations."

"I am struck by the historical significance of His Holiness Pope Francis' visit to the United States, and honored to have witnessed Pope Francis address a Joint Session of Congress this morning," said Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.). "I share key public policy priorities and commitments set forward by Pope Francis during his tenure. Specifically, I was pleased and inspired that His Holiness discussed the caring for the marginalized and the poor, advancing economic opportunity for all, and serving as good stewards of the environment. I am very much moved by the presence of the Holy Father and my hope is that his message will stir policy makers to make the world a better place for all of its citizens."

"Pope Francis focused on the need to protect our most vulnerable in society," said Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.). "In California's Central Valley, due to the devastating drought conditions, unemployment and poverty has increased in the region, and some of our friends and neighbors are facing very dire conditions. Efforts to protect them include planning for the future and implementing long-term solutions to improve the environment and slow down the progression of climate change. I appreciate Pope Francis' focus on environmental issues because we must leave this world a better place for our children and grandchildren. As Pope Francis stated, "common good also includes the earth…to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.'"