The bill will ensure America honors its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and lay the groundwork needed to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
“Latino communities across the United States have already experienced disproportionate health and economic impacts of poor air quality, extreme heat and aridification, wildfires, drought and other severe effects of climate change. It is time for Congress to take meaningful action now on climate change,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “The International Climate Accountability Act in the Senate and House companion bill, the Climate Action Now Act, are critical steps that will enable us to embark on an achievable plan to protect the health of our communities, improve our economy, drive innovation and safeguard our environment.”
On December 12, 2015, nearly 200 countries, including the United States, China, India, and member states of the European Union, came together to sign the landmark Paris Agreement to combat climate change and to accelerate our transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. On June 1, 2017, despite rising temperatures, fires, storms, and floods that are devastating communities across our country and around the world, the current administration announced to withdraw from America’s pledge to take action on climate change — making the United States the only country to abandon its commitment.
“The demand for climate action is growing in America across all ages, geographic regions, and political parties. Catastrophic wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding are damaging our coasts, forests, and farmlands, destroying lives and devastating communities,” said Chela Garcia, Director of Conservation Programs at Hispanic Access Foundation. “It is time we take the health of our children, communities, and economy seriously. Latinos understand this urgency and overwhelmingly want climate action.”
According to a national survey, three in four Latinos want corporations and industry (77%), citizens themselves (74%), President Trump (74%), and the U.S. Congress (73%) to do more to address global warming. Also, the widely regarded Conservation in the West poll from Colorado College found that 80% of Latino voters, compared to 65% of all voters, think the highest priority for meeting America’s energy needs is to reduce our need for more coal, oil and gas and expand our use of clean, renewable energy that can be generated in the United States.
In order to meet the carbon pollution reduction goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement, more solutions are needed. This includes financing the transition to clean energy, forcing polluters to pay for the pollution they create and improving technology that reduces carbon pollution at its source; ultimately providing real, tangible improvements in air quality for our families and communities. Therefore, it is time to act now and address the devastating effects of climate change for present and future generations. Congress must demonstrate its commitment to protecting our environment and the health and well-being of all Americans.