April 26, 2019

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

RE: Support H.R. 9, Climate Action Now Act

Dear Representative,

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) works to turn environmental values into national priorities. Each year, LCV publishes the National Environmental Scorecard, which details the voting records of members of Congress on environmental legislation. The Scorecard is distributed to LCV members, concerned voters nationwide, and the media.

We write in strong support of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. This important legislation honors America’s commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement, recognizes the urgency of tackling climate change, and lays the groundwork for further action.

Climate change is already having devastating impacts on communities across the country and the world. More extreme storms, record-breaking floods, and raging wildfires are hurting our families and even taking people’s lives. It is unacceptable that these impacts and the burden of toxic pollution hit lower income, communities of color, and Indigenous peoples first and worst. Poll after poll shows that an overwhelming majority of voters – across ideological lines – want strong action on clean energy and climate solutions.

H.R. 9 is a strong rebuke of the Trump Administration’s denial of the climate crisis, efforts to undermine progress, and ill-conceived decision to become the only country in the world to reject the landmark Paris Climate Agreement. In response to this utter failure of leadership, governors, mayors, universities, businesses, faith leaders, and investors are stepping up to support climate action to meet this agreement.

This momentum is only growing. Just this year, six new governors have joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, bringing the total to 23 states and territories committed to meeting the Paris Climate Agreement’s goals. New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham signed into law legislation that moves the state’s electricity to 100% carbon free by 2045.  Governors Walz (MN), Evers (WI), and Mills (ME) have all announced plans to move their state to 100% clean energy. After passing both chambers unanimously, Nevada Governor Sisolak signed into law legislation moving the state to 50% renewable energy by 2030. The Washington state legislature just passed a 100% clean energy bill, the Maryland legislature passed a 50% clean energy bill by 2030, and a comprehensive 100% clean energy package has been introduced in Illinois.

After eight years of the Republican leadership in the U.S. House taking us backwards in the fight against climate change, we are thrilled to see this important first step in the right direction and LCV urges you to SUPPORT H.R. 9. We will strongly consider including votes on this bill in the 2019 Scorecard. If you need more information, please call my office at (202) 785-8683 and ask to speak with a member of our government relations team.

Sincerely,

Gene Karpinski
President