WASHINGTON, D.C. [08/25/20]—Today U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released a comprehensive report and plan of action to address the climate crisis with her colleagues on the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. The new report, titled “The Case for Climate Action: Building a Clean Economy for the American People,” details how bold climate action from Congress can act to create millions of new jobs, grow the American economy and improve people’s lives across the country.
The report comes after dozens of hearings, meetings, and input from experts, labor unions, mayors, environmental justice leaders, and native communities, including meetings in Washington with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Minnesota environmental justice leader Dr. Cecilia Martinez, and leaders from Minnesota’s Great River Energy.
“If we do nothing, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster,” said Senator Smith. “The good news is that if the United States leads the transition to a net-zero emissions economy, we can grow American jobs, reduce health disparities and other environmental injustices, and protect the planet for our children and our grandchildren. I am proud to join my Senate Democratic colleagues in releasing this report today and look forward to working hard to turn these recommendations into action.”
The Committee’s report calls on Congress to take action that will:
- Reduce U.S. emissions rapidly to achieve 100 percent net-zero emissions no later than 2050;
- Stimulate economic growth by increasing federal investment in infrastructure and climate action—and ensure that at least 40 percent of the benefits from these investments help communities of color and low-income, deindustrialized, and disadvantaged communities; and
- Create at least 10 million new jobs.
The Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis, which is affiliated with the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, was established in March 2019 and was tasked with investigating, holding hearings, and issuing findings on the economic and national security consequences of climate change and how climate action presents significant opportunities for jobs, public health, and the economy. Since March 2019, the committee held 10 public hearings, convened 10 in-depth meetings with experts, and connected with a broad array of constituencies – in person and through targeted outreach.
You can read the report here.
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