04.22.21

In Earth Day Statement, Cantwell Calls for Using Affordable Technological Solutions to Address Looming Climate Crisis

Chair Cantwell also announces upcoming Commerce Committee hearing on vehicle efficiency standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, as the United States recognizes Earth Day, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement:

“As we mark the second half century of Earth Day, we have much to celebrate and much, much more to do. Our air and waters are cleaner, more of America’s remaining wildlands are protected, and many American businesses are championing environmental causes. But none of that progress will matter unless we address the looming climate crisis which unabated will result in more frequent extreme weather events, larger and more intense wildfires, higher and more acidic oceans, and mass extinctions. Fortunately, we now have the affordable technology solutions we need to zero out climate pollution within a generation while generating massive new economic opportunities, investing in disadvantaged communities, and creating millions of new high wage American jobs.

“I commend President Biden’s ambitious but necessary commitment to cut America’s greenhouse gases in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Government has an essential role to play in unleashing private markets by setting goals, investing in R&D, providing incentives, supporting project financing, and appropriately pricing carbon pollution. Ultimately only America’s private sector can provide the affordable and durable solutions at the speed and scale we need to tackle this momentous challenge.

“The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will be doing its part to meet the urgency of the climate challenge. Next month, the Committee will revisit the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program at the Department of Transportation to consider its effectiveness in reducing fossil fuel consumption and reforms to the program. We must also make progress on advancing sustainable fuel sources to help decarbonize our transportation system, support electrification where it makes sense, and invest in climate science to drive technological solutions.” 

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