July 8, 2019 — Tomorrow, resolutions are expected to be introduced in both chambers of Congress to declare a climate emergency that “demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes.” The move comes hours after Donald Trump gave a speech touting his environmental record, which included false claims of his administration’s “leadership” on climate change.
In response, Greenpeace USA Climate Campaign Director Janet Redman said:
“There’s no doubt that we’re in a climate emergency, and it’s time all of our elected officials started acting like it. Acknowledging the enormous threats posed by climate change, as this resolution does, is an important first step. What the American people need to survive this crisis is swift action from our government to end drilling, fracking, and mining for fossil fuels and to invest in a more just, inclusive economy built on renewable energy.
“It’s almost laughable that just this afternoon, Trump addressed the nation to brag about his environmental ‘leadership.’ Unfortunately, the deadly consequences of his environmental rollbacks are no joke. Climate denial is not a victimless crime. If Trump and his fossil fuel industry buddies want to continue blocking the action we need to avoid climate catastrophe, the American people are more than prepared to hold them accountable.”
ENDS
Note: The climate emergency resolution was introduced in the Senate by Senators Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkeley, and Amy Klobuchar, and in the House by Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Full text of the resolution is available here.
Contact: Ryan Schleeter, Senior Communications Specialist, Greenpeace USA: +1 (415) 342-2386, [email protected]
