Democrats Highlight Local Impacts of Climate Change at Field Forum

ANNAPOLIS, MD – While climate change remains a politicized issue in Washington, D.C., officials at the local level are all too aware of its devastating impacts. Rising sea levels have led to increased flooding in coastal communities, which raises costs for local governments, disrupts natural ecosystems, and threatens our national security.

In light of these concerns, the House Energy and Commerce Committee hosted a field forum today at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland highlighting the threats that climate change poses to local communities across the country. In attendance were Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The forum, “Climate Change at the Water’s Edge,” featured testimony from local officials, representatives from the U.S. Navy, and environmental experts including Mayor Mike Pantelides (R-Annapolis), USNA Superintendent Vice Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter, Jr., Will Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“We have to stop thinking about climate change as a partisan issue because it is not in communities across the country that are dealing with the impacts,” said Congressman Pallone. “In my home state of New Jersey, Hurricane Sandy hit with devastating intensity causing extensive damage and loss of life. And here in historic Annapolis, tidal flooding is increasing at an exponential rate and Annapolis is preparing for the next extreme storm like Sandy. The costs of inaction fall upon all of us and they are enormous. We need to wake up and heed the advice of the scientists, of our best thinkers, of our mayors, and our military advisors and take action now to combat the ongoing threat of climate change.” 

“Today’s forum underscored the challenge of our generation – to address the real threats that climate change poses to local communities across the country,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “And make no mistake, more than 80 percent of Americans want us to rise up to this challenge. But on Capitol Hill, a politically-motivated bubble of climate change denial has taken hold.”

Sarbanes added, “While Democrats and Republicans in local communities come together to mitigate the rising sea levels and tidal flooding that result from climate change, Congress needs to answer one question: Whose side are you on?  The vast majority of everyday Americans that want the next generation to inherit a healthy planet and a thriving, sustainable economy? Or special interest polluters and wealthy campaign donors that benefit from the status quo?”

“Combatting the threat of climate change is one of the top challenges we face as a nation, and must be one of our top priorities in Congress. This forum was a terrific opportunity to step away from the cloud of politics that needlessly hangs over the issue and highlight the impact climate change has on a local level,” said Congressman Tonko. “I thank Ranking Member Pallone and Congressman Sarbanes for leading this group and giving us an opportunity to have a thoughtful discussion that moves the conversation forward. I look forward to continuing the work of Energy & Commerce Democrats to green the environment, help create jobs, and reduce the devastating effects that climate change can and will have on our nation, our economy and our security if we don't act.”

“Republican leaders on Capitol Hill may be refusing to take action on climate change, but Maryland’s communities understand that we need to work together to prevent its damaging impacts. Annapolis and other coastal towns in my state are already feeling the effects of rising sea levels and increased flooding and they need solutions, not denial. Congress must act to support greater resiliency in impacted areas and pass a strong cap on carbon pollution like the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act to stop climate change before it gets worse,” said Congressman Van Hollen.

Coincidentally, the field forum was held the day after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) new report, “State of the Climate in 2014,” that details the record setting global highs in global surface temperature, as well as the continued melting of arctic sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost. 

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