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Today, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis unveiled the Solving the Climate Crisis report, a comprehensive congressional climate action framework that highlights Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s (TX-16) H.R. 2759, the Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act, as a critical tool in the effort to solve the climate crisis.

The Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act, introduced in 2019 by Congresswoman Escobar and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), is bicameral legislation that would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to adapt its infrastructure and operations to address climate change and improve energy efficiency in order to strengthen military readiness. This effort is based in the firm belief that the DoD can be a leader in the fight to combat climate change.

In addition to recommending the Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act as a tool for Congress to advance climate resilience and preparedness for a strong national defense, the Select Committee’s climate action framework outlines ambitious and achievable policies to:

• Grow our economy and put Americans back to work in clean energy jobs;
• Protect the health of all families;
• Make sure our communities and farmers can withstand the impacts of climate change; and
• Protect America’s land and water for the next generation.

“Climate change is an urgent global crisis that demands a strong, swift, and science-based response – and that is exactly what House Democrats’ action plan does,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “As the Trump administration accelerates its assault on the environment, I am proud of this ambitious and detailed plan that reflects the will of El Pasoans and harnesses the ingenuity of our military to protect our public health, economy, national security, and values.”

The Select Committee’s plan would put the country on a path to net-zero carbon pollution by 2050, if not earlier. It would power economic recovery through clean energy investment and family-sustaining jobs, and address the legacy of environmental injustice harming America’s low-income communities and communities of color.

“House Democrats recognize that we have the moral imperative to meet this moment with a bold climate action plan to reduce carbon pollution, create much-needed jobs to rebuild our economy, and tackle the systemic injustice of environmental racism head-on,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

The full Select Committee report is viewable here.

Background:

The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis was created at the outset of the 116th Congress to deliver policy recommendations to other House committees on how to solve the climate crisis.