Climate Change

Climate Change represented by a split image of a healthy tree and a dead tree

Human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, are warming our planet and changing our climate at a rate that cannot be attributed to natural variations. We are already feeling the effects of climate change in the form of warmer temperatures, extreme weather variations, rising seas, and ocean acidification. Comprehensive climate solutions are available to us today. Clean energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and lower carbon transportation systems are possibilities right now, with existing technology. Growing an innovation economy will help to accelerate the deployment of these solutions while continuing to lower costs. Climate change is problem we cannot and should not neglect. Nearly every country on the planet, including the U.S., China, and India, have signed the Paris Climate Agreement to act on climate. If we continue to ignore the threats posed by climate change, we risk serious damage to our national and economic security, international collaboration, and the health and safety of our children, grandchildren, and all future generations.

More on Climate Change

Sep 18, 2014
How much do disasters cost?
The Hill
The cost is more than just the emergency relief packages Congress approves after major disasters. Yet shockingly the Federal government provides no single estimate for how much we spend on disaster-related assistance each year. That is why we are introducing the DISclosing Aid Spent To Ensure Relief (DISASTER) Act.
Sep 17, 2014
Member Statements on the People’s Climate March and UN Climate Summit

Washington, D.C.— On Sunday, September 21st constituents from across the country will descend upon New York City for the first-ever People’s Climate March. This monumental event, supported by more than 1,000 organizations representing roughly 100 million people worldwide, promises to demonstrate the overwhelming public support for climate action and environmental justice ahead of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon’s Climate Summit on Tuesday, September 23rd.

Sep 3, 2014
Statement on Wilderness Act 50th Anniversary

Washington, D.C.—In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) issued the following statement:

“Our country is blessed with some of the most captivating natural landscapes in the world. From the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness Area in California to Fire Island in New York to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, these remarkable national treasures draw in millions of visitors from across the globe to admire their beauty.

SEEC July Newsletter
July 11, 2014
Newsletter
Issues: Climate Change Environment
Jun 25, 2014
Rep. Scott Brings Climate Awareness to New Heights in Joining SEEC

Washington, D.C.—The House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) is pleased to welcome Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) to its membership.

SEEC June Newsletter
June 13, 2014
Newsletter
Issues: Climate Change Environment
Jun 02, 2014
EPA tees up 30% emissions cut as Obama promotes health benefits
E&E News
Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), the chairman of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition’s climate task force, said he was encouraged to hear that EPA would not seek to pre-empt California’s climate laws. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), a co-chairman of the coalition, said the meeting with Podesta stayed on general topics. But he said part of the discussion focused on the positive economic impacts the rule could have.
Jun 2, 2014
Statement on Carbon Pollution Standard for Existing Sources

Washington, D.C.—Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a draft proposal to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants. Carbon emissions from human activities, such as power generation, are the principal driver of climate change. Power plants are responsible for 40 percent of U.S. carbon emissions, representing our nation’s single largest source of carbon pollution. The standards as proposed would reduce carbon pollution 25 percent by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030, an equivalent of about 730 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, compared to 2005.

May 22, 2014
Hill briefing on warming highlights military, health impacts
E&E News
Science and national security experts visited Capitol Hill last night to brief an audience of congressional staffers on the toll climate change is already taking on public well-being, at home and around the world. It was sponsored by the Senate Climate Action Task Force and the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.
May 22, 2014
Hill briefing on warming highlights military, health impacts

Hill briefing on warming highlights military, health impacts

Jean Chemnick, E&E reporter

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Science and national security experts visited Capitol Hill last night to brief an audience of congressional staffers on the toll climate change is already taking on public well-being, at home and around the world.

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