Unbearable Cost of Inaction: Rep. Doggett Urges Passage of Climate Action Now Act

***Press Release***

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Unbearable Cost of Inaction: Rep. Doggett Urges Passage of Climate Action Now Act

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Doggett (D-TX) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives, urging passage of H.R. 9, the "Climate Action Now Act," which could constitute some of the most significant climate legislation from this chamber in about a decade. He recognized the leadership of cities like San Antonio and Austin in committing to climate action. This legislation would ensure the United States honors our commitments detailed in the Paris Agreement and lays the groundwork for further climate action. Congressman Doggett stated: "We need to lead on the road to clean, green energy—not get run over."

"Climate action does bear cost, but inaction has greater cost. Climate change is already wreaking economic and security havoc: deep freezes, an incredible five feet of water dumped on Houston, Texas by a hurricane. In other areas: droughts, amazing wildfires, and extensive disease," said Congressman Doggett. "Let's embrace the simple truth that preserving the earth is worth it. America should lead on creating new green jobs, but Trump clogs the corridors of power with fossil fuel-industry cheerleaders. Now is the time for alternative energy, not alternative facts."

You can watch his speech here, or read the excerpts below.

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U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett

May 1, 2019

House Floor Speech

"Climate change is already wreaking economic and security havoc: deep freezes, an incredible five feet of water dumped on Houston, Texas by a hurricane. In other areas: droughts, amazing wildfires, and extensive disease. What we need is alternative energy, not Trump alternative facts. Decisions that are based on science, not on mythology. President Trump's rejection of sound climate change facts only makes Chinese clean energy great again.

We need to lead on the road to clean, green energy—not get run over. Fighting climate change is an existential challenge, but it is also an amazing economic opportunity. We can create the green jobs right here, the technology that is exported to the world, instead of letting our international competitors prevail. Recommitting to the Paris Climate Agreement is more than bipartisan. It is joining 2,000 American businesses, it is joining twenty three states, it is joining cities like San Antonio and Austin, across America, that have already pledged that they want climate action, not more nonsense and climate denying. It is joining twenty one senior defense officials to identify climate change. Twenty one defense experts who defend climate change action as a way to address a major national security challenge.

President Trump continues to block meaningful environmental action by clogging the corridors of power with fossil fuel-industry cheerleaders. A Green New Deal is an alternative to the same old dirty deal, threatening our planet with dark money. Where the only thing green is that money, clogging and polluting our democracy.

Climate action does bear some cost, but inaction has greater cost. Let's embrace the simple truth that preserving the earth is worth it. Let's embrace an America that is leading on a green economic revolution."

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