Kathy Castor: “I thank the gentleman from New York for his kind words and his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in…”

“I thank the gentleman from New York for his kind words and his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution that seeks to hamstring America's ability to combat carbon pollution and the impacts of the changing climate. In Paris today, 195 nations from around the world are meeting to tackle the challenges of the changing climate. I am proud to see that America is leading this effort. America's willingness to tackle the economic and environmental impacts of climate change is a reflection of our values. We do not cower in the face of difficult circumstances. That is the essence of the United States of America. {time} 1600 Yet that is what this Republican majority in the Congress would have us do--ignore the problem, pretend it doesn't exist, hope it goes away. Well, we cannot do that. Scientific consensus is clear: The Earth's climate is changing, temperatures are getting warmer, and it is the greenhouse gases that are the primary drivers. Over the long term, the consequences will be very serious and the costs will be very high, indeed, unless we take action. My neighbors back home in Florida are particularly vulnerable. Florida has more private property at risk from flooding linked to climate change than any other State, an amount that could double in the next 4 years. Already, local governments and taxpayers are being asked to pay more for stormwater drainage, drinking water initiatives, and beach renourishment.…”