Climate Change

President Barack Obama doesn’t need Congress to enact his climate change plan, but the White House is counting on House and Senate Democrats to help him sell it. Lawmakers say they emerged from meetings this month with White House energy adviser Heather Zichal better prepared to explain the plan to their constituents — and to convince them of the need to address climate change. “The public education [and] public information piece is critical,” said Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), the co-chairman of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. “Not only does the public have the right to know, but it’s essential that they do know because inaction here can allow very bad things to happen.” Nine members of the coalition met with Zichal on Friday afternoon in a Capitol office building. While the president’s plan focuses on administrative actions, like EPA’s first-ever greenhouse gas rules for power plants, lawmakers can help rally public support by explaining how climate change will affect their states and communities. That will be especially crucial during the long August recess, when Republicans are expected to intensify their attacks on the plan. As part of the effort, Zichal said Thursday that the administration is forming a “task force of local leaders” to make recommendations to the federal government about ways to tackle climate change. “We talked about outreach, and I think a lot of members felt strongly that you need to work at the local level — work with local governments, work with members of Congress who are willing to collaborate and cooperate, highlight what is being done at the local level,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), another co-chairman of the coalition. Connolly said he encouraged Zichal to better “help people connect the dots” by explaining what’s at stake for the public if nothing prevents the worst effects of climate change. “It’s one thing to say that the sea levels are rising, but what does it mean for me and my community?” Connolly said.