Schakowsky Statement on Earth Day
EVANSTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement in celebration of Earth Day:
"The future of our country depends on the vitality of our planet. As our lands, oceans, and atmosphere face increasing pollution and warming, Americans, especially our young people, rightfully fear that our environment will soon be damaged beyond repair. The science is clear: we are rapidly running out of time to address the worst effects of climate change. Faced with increasing natural disasters and weather events, the 21st century demands drastic actions to mitigate climate change and pollution. Earlier this month, the International Panel on Climate Change Third Working Group reiterated that the time to act is now, stating that ‘the decisions we make now can secure a livable future.' As the richest country in the world and the second highest emitter in green gases in the world, we have a responsibility to be a leader in the fight to combat the climate crisis.
"Access to a clean, healthy environment is essential to preserve our children's right to a prosperous future. I am inspired by all the young leaders who have taken it upon themselves to protect our climate. More than six years ago, a group of 21 diverse, young Americans filed a lawsuit asserting that the United States actions contributing to and worsening the climate crisis is in violation of their constitutional rights, which includes a climate system capable of sustaining human life. Last Earth Day, I was proud to reintroduce H.Con.Res.31 which has the support of 53 of my House colleagues. The resolution recognizes that the current climate crisis disproportionately affects the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, and demands that the United States develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets.
"To turn a blind eye to climate change is to neglect the reality of the future. Our children should not be forced to suffer the consequences for our lack of action. Our youngest generation and future generations deserve clean air, clean water, livable temperatures, and a bountiful wilderness."
Julia Olson, Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel of Our Children's Trust, added, "Congresswoman Schakowsky's resolution sends a powerful and urgent message to our nation's leaders to protect our children's fundamental rights to a safe climate. As the 21 youth plaintiffs in the Juliana v. United States case eagerly await their day in court, they continue to suffer from increasingly severe climate harms. The time for climate justice for our children, and future generations, is now."
In December, Schakowsky re-introduced H.R. 6168, the Future Generations Protection Act with Rep. Nanette Barragán, which would move the United States away from centuries of harmful practices and help us achieve the administration's goal of a net-zero carbon emission by 2050.
"We're proud to support the efforts of Congresswomen Schakowsky and Barragán to directly confront the fossil fuel industry. The Future Generations Protection Act is the most aggressive climate legislation introduced this Congress and we hope Congress will take it up when they return. On Earth Day it's important to remember that in fighting the fossil fuel industry we are fighting for our children and all future generations," said Elizabeth Schuster, Government Affairs Representative at Food & Water Watch.
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