The Climate Crisis

Democrats strongly believe in our responsibility to address the climate crisis head-on and to serve as stewards of our environment and public lands for current and future generations.

Democrats strongly believe in our responsibility to address the climate crisis head-on and to serve as stewards of our environment and public lands for current and future generations. Democrats are working with President Biden to restore protections for our environment and natural resources, promote cleaner air and water, and ensure America is a leader in confronting the climate crisis. During the 117th Congress, House Democrats delivered a historic slate of legislation to address the climate crisis. These include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021, a generational infrastructure package that is estimated to create nearly 1.5 million jobs annually throughout the next decade, turbocharge our clean energy economy, and take action on environmental justice and legacy pollution initiatives. The landmark Inflation Reduction Act is America’s single-largest investment in combatting the climate crisis and puts the U.S. on a path to roughly 40% emissions reduction by 2030. It includes historic investments in the clean energy economy that will lower energy costs, increase our energy security, and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation also promotes alternative energy and electric vehicle production. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, invests in science and technology of the future, bolstering efforts to manufacture clean energy technology in the United States and providing access to training programs that will help to develop the STEM workforce of tomorrow. House Democrats also passed a number of bills that act to protect and conserve our planet, including the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, the Water Resources Development Act, and the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. In addition, House Democrats overturned a dangerous methane emissions rule put into place by the Trump Administration. We will continue to partner with the Biden Administration to combat catastrophic climate change and protect our natural resources for future generations.

The Climate Crisis Related
Climate bill could split in two, Hoyer says
Cap-and-trade legislation pending in Congress may be split in two to ensure that parts that encourage the use of more alternative energy sources can pass the Senate now that Democrats control one less seat, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said on Wednesday.
Obama Negotiates 'Copenhagen Accord' With Senate Climate Fight in Mind
President Obama may have improved his chances for passing global warming legislation in the Senate by forging an interim international agreement here that puts both rich and poor countries on a path to curtail greenhouse gas emissions.
House Leaders on Climate Change Conference and EPA Announcement
House Leaders discuss the beginning of the UN Climate Change Conference and today's EPA announcement on greenhouse gas emissions and public health.
Hoyer Statement on the United Nations Climate Change Conference and EPA Announcement
As world leaders gather in Copenhagen to map out a strategy for a cleaner, more energy-efficient future, there has never been greater momentum for change – or a stronger case for why it is so imperative.
Hoyer Statement on Obama Administration’s Smart Energy Grid Investment
Investments made today to develop and grow our clean energy economy will reap immediate benefits by creating jobs and advancing our recovery, as well as in the future by spurring long-term growth and providing the durable infrastructure to meet tomorrow’s energy demands.
Senate Introduces Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act
Today, Senators Boxer and Kerry unveiled clean energy jobs legislation in the Senate.
Hoyer Statement on Introduction of Kerry-Boxer Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act
Building a new, clean energy economy that creates jobs, saves consumers, increases American competitiveness, and moves us closer toward energy independence is a key priority for this Congress.
GOP Leadership – A History of Saying No to Energy Independence

The House Republican Leadership is continuing a trend begun last Congress, “Just Saying No” to legislation which invests in clean energy, creates new clean energy jobs, and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

Dems weigh climate floor debate before July 4
Seeking to maintain momentum from last month's markup, House Democrats are considering an aggressive push this month for floor passage of energy and global warming legislation.
Close Win Predicted For Cap-and-Trade Bill
The House could vote today on a measure to cap U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with Democratic leaders predicting a tight victory for a behemoth bill that has grown more complex with each compromise.