Safe Climate Caucus Members Speak Out on Urgent Need to Address Climate Change

Press Release

Reps. Henry A. Waxman, Lois Capps, Paul Tonko, and Hank Johnson, all members of the Safe Climate Caucus, spoke on the House floor Wednesday about the risk of climate change and the failure of the Republican-controlled House to hold hearings, consider legislation, or even debate climate change.

"There seems to be a conspiracy of silence in the House of Representatives about the dangers of climate change, and it's time for a real debate on the House floor," said Rep. Waxman.

"There's no reason why we can't put aside our differences and take action to promote a clean energy future," said Rep. Capps. "It's what our constituents sent us here to do."

"The Energy and Commerce Committee has refused to act or to even hear the latest science. Congressman Waxman and Congressman Rush have sent over 20 letters requesting hearings with scientists and other experts about important developments in climate science," said Rep. Tonko. "But the Republicans have refused to hold any hearings on climate change."

"A week ago, I joined my colleagues in the Safe Climate Caucus to challenge the Republican members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to debate the nation's response to climate change on the House Floor," said Rep. Johnson. "We received no response. It is time for a real debate on the House floor about the dangers of climate change. There is no debate about the science of climate change."

On April 10, 2013, members of the Safe Climate Caucus sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairmen Fred Upton and Ed Whitfield to challenge the Republican members of the Committee to a debate on the House Floor about climate change. The Chairmen have not responded to this request.

The Safe Climate Caucus was created in February of 2013 and its members have spoken about climate change on the Floor every day the House has been in session. Topics range from mitigating the impact of extreme weather events to investment in clean energy technologies.