In response to today’s passage of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released the following statement from Lou Leonard, senior vice president for climate & energy:
“The U.S. House of Representatives just passed the first significant climate legislation in nearly ten years; another sign that Congress is beginning to put real climate change solutions back on the table. The Climate Action Now Act would keep America in the Paris Agreement and ensure progress toward the U.S. commitments reducing unhealthy greenhouse gas emissions, a policy that has the support of more than 70 percent of Americans.
“This bill would bring the U.S. government back into the fold with every other nation on Earth, as well as more than 3,600 leaders from America’s cities, states, tribes, businesses, colleges, and universities, who have banded together to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“The stakes couldn’t be higher. Americans continue to face year-round extreme weather disasters and increasing security threats to our country. Our leaders need to do all they can to meet this challenge. Today’s vote is a significant step in the right direction.
“As one of its first 10 House bills, H.R. 9 demonstrates that climate change is a top priority for the new House majority. Acting on climate change should be a non-partisan issue, and there are early signs of bipartisan common ground. In the last few weeks, we have seen more Republican lawmakers acknowledging the need to act and stepping forward with their own ideas on solutions. More collaboration across the aisle is needed to clear a path toward the truly national climate law that American communities deserve.”