Climate Change

That assertion underscores a new theme undertaken yesterday by the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), a group of 50 Democratic House members. It focuses on the financial costs of natural calamities like Superstorm Sandy, damaging thunderstorms and wildfires. In floor speeches, lawmakers compared the amount of disaster spending last year, which they say amounted to $96 billion, to budget outlays for things like education, transportation and housing. Disasters won, they say.

As hurricane season begins and vulnerable coastal communities brace for high winds and storm surges, Congress needs to ask itself: What can we be doing to better protect and manage existing and new development along our coastlines? How can we minimize the destruction of life and property suffered by so many in hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, Irene, and Sandy?

Members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) tried to ensure that H.R. 3 maintains the accountability the American people expect from legislation that authorizes a potentially hazardous oil pipeline.