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CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROTECT OUR PLANET FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

August 14, 2019

Announces sponsorship of Climate Emergency Resolution and calls for comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to address climate change and sponsorship of package of legislation to support this goal, including bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced his strong support of the Climate Emergency Resolution (H. Res. 52) which calls for a comprehensive, large-scale approach to address climate change. To support the goals outlined in this resolution, Rep. Morelle has co-sponsored a package of legislation including H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, to reduce our nation's carbon footprint, protect our critical natural resources, and safeguard our environment.

"The science is clear: climate change is real, it is already occurring, and it is a global emergency," said Rep. Morelle. "We must take action now to protect our planet for future generations. That's why I'm declaring a climate emergency and strongly supporting the Climate Emergency Resolution to demand immediate and comprehensive action, like implementing H.R 763 to reduce our carbon footprint and create a more sustainable economy."

"Citizens' Climate Lobby of Rochester applauds Representative Morelle for backing common sense climate legislation," said Sarah Mittiga of Citizen's Climate Lobby of Rochester. "We need powerful federal policy that is effective, good for people and that can bridge the political divide. The Energy Innovation Act, HR763, will rapidly reduce carbon pollution and protect our economy by putting a price on carbon and returning the dividends to households. We thank Rep Morelle for his support and call on federal representatives across New York State to stand with him."

Liam Smith, of the Rochester Youth Climate Leaders, said: "I applaud Representative Morelle for his leadership on this important issue. From declaring climate change an emergency to cosponsoring the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act to calling on Monroe County to establish a Climate Action Plan, Representative Morelle is doing his part to protect my generation from the climate crisis."

"RPCC applauds Congressman Morelle for cosponsoring this crucial piece of climate legislation," said Abby McHugh-Grifa of the Rochester People's Climate Coalition. "Putting a price on carbon is the best first step that our Federal government can take to protect U.S. citizens from the threat of climate change. And unlike other carbon pricing bills, the Energy Innovation Act will also protect the pocketbooks of low- and middle-income households, allowing them not just to survive, but also to thrive, as our country transitions away from the use of fossil fuels. We sincerely thank Rep. Morelle for his leadership on this issue."

The current pace of global average temperature rise puts approximately half of all plants and animals at risk of extinction. Indeed, scientists predict climate change will produce catastrophic results by the year 2050—including days of lethal heat, collapsed ecosystems, and more than 1 billion people displaced—unless immediate action is taken. The future of our food sources, our ecosystems, and our clean air and water are all in jeopardy.

Rep. Morelle has taken action to address the global climate crisis by co-sponsoring the following measures:

H.Res. 52 The Climate Emergency Resolution

  • To declare a climate emergency which requires a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address the causes and consequences of climate change to restore the climate for future generations.

H.R. 763 The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act

  • To help reduce U.S. carbon pollution by up to 45% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050 by putting a price on carbon emissions and returning 100% of the revenue to the American People.

H.R. 9 The Climate Action Now Act​

  • To reaffirm federal commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and prevent any federal funds from being used to withdraw from the agreement. This legislation has passed the House.

H.R. 585 The BREATHE Act

  • To prevent toxic air pollution by reversing the exemption for oil and gas companies while also adding hydrogen sulfide to the Clean Air Act's federal list of hazardous air pollutants.

H.R. 1497 The Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act

  • Renews the Federal commitment to addressing local water quality challenges by providing an infusion of Federal assistance for the construction, repair, and replacement of the Nation's network of wastewater and stormwater conveyance

H.R. 3195 The Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act

  • To permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, one of the most broadly supported and effective conservation programs.

H.R. 4007 The FRESHER Act

  • To close a loophole for oil and gas companies within the Clean Water Act and mandate a study on the effects of stormwater runoff from these industries' operations.

HR 3282 The Carbon Capture Prize Act

  • Directs the Department of Energy to carry out a competition to award prizes for technology that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, including through direct carbon removal and permanent sequestration.

"Climate change is the defining issue of our time – and how we respond to it will determine the fate of generations to come," continued Rep. Morelle. "We must take bold, decisive action immediately to save our planet. I'll continue fighting every day to advance these measures and ensure we leave behind a healthy, clean, vibrant world for future generations."

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