Pascrell Demands Action at Climate Change Hearing

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey’s only member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, praised today’s committee hearing, the Economic and Health Consequences of Climate Change.

“Today’s hearing on climate change is part of our preparation for the challenge of our time. Climate change is real and its impacts to our lives is already upon us. In New Jersey we felt its effects more than most when Superstorm Sandy created destruction on an unfathomable scale. And the carnage and failed response to Hurricane Maria led to the death of over three thousand Americans. To paraphrase Bill Nye, we’re roasting our planet alive. We need to move away from them invest more in cleaner energy sources that are renewable and are carbon-free.

“This March I called on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to investigate the national security impacts of importing carbon pollution under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Carbon pollution can be exacerbated by international trade and the goods we ship. Knowing of the President’s keen interest in the 232 process, and his concern with unfair competition, I actually believe this is an idea he could get behind. The time for waiting is over, kaput. For our children and our grandchildren, the time to act is right now.”

Rep. Pascrell’s efforts to protect our environment and combat climate change stem from his mission to leave a better world for future generations. From working with federal officials to clean up Berry’s Creek, to sweeping federal efforts like the Green New Deal, Pascrell continues to work with his colleagues in every level of government to combat climate change head-on and preserve our cherished natural resources. Additionally, in March 2019, Rep. Pascrell led a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross calling on him to initiate an investigation into the threat of carbon pollution pursuant to his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

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