Hilda L. Solis: “did you know that our planet is showing the disconcerting signs of global climate change? That should serve as a wake-up…”

“did you know that our planet is showing the disconcerting signs of global climate change? That should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. Scientists have found that 11 and 12 of the warmest years on record have occurred since 1995. The water in our lakes and rivers has warmed, and ice is being lost in the Arctic Sea at unprecedented rates. Steps should be taken to stop or reverse these trends as soon as possible, and the Democratic Congress is doing just that as a part of the Interior and Environmental appropriations bill. The legislation includes provisions to focus our efforts on global climate change by establishing a commission of the government's top scientific experts tasked with identifying key areas of scientific research and empowering them with the resources to finance their work. It also provides for funding, over the President's request, for clean water funds, reducing diesel emissions, clean air grants, and ensuring that environmental laws and justice and regulations are followed. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic Congress is committed to taking steps necessary to protect our natural resources and address global climate change. There's still time to save our planet.”