Alan Lowenthal: “On this very solemn day, where we commemorate those that gave their lives, I rise on behalf of the Safe Climate Caucus…”

“On this very solemn day, where we commemorate those that gave their lives, I rise on behalf of the Safe Climate Caucus to bring to the House another unfortunate new reality. More frequent flooding is going to be occurring now because of climate change. We are already seeing sea level rise; that is without doubt, and that has resulted in the frequency of nuisance flooding in coastal communities. Cities across America are experiencing nuisance flooding. There is a rise in nuisance flooding between 1960 and the present of up to 900 percent throughout the country. From 300 to 900 percent, it is more often. When rising sea levels combine with natural climate patterns like this year's El Nino, even higher rates of nuisance flooding will occur. For example, in my district, nuisance flooding threatens my entire Long Beach Peninsula and the Alamitos Bay. Flooding roads mean a loss of work or school days, and eroded beaches can have a negative impact on property values. Today's floods are tomorrow's high tides. That is why Congress must act on climate change. ____________________”