Paul Tonko: “Absolutely. Coast-to-coast this is an issue. We know that where there are innovative concepts, where there is an…”

“Absolutely. Coast-to-coast this is an issue. We know that where there are innovative concepts, where there is an embracing of an aggressive agenda like in California, like in New York, there are ways to advance green energy, clean energy, innovation when it comes to efficiency, to make certain that those greenhouse gas emissions are addressed. It is within our control. So the human activity here, the human element, yes, is driving some of this. I know there are those who say I believe in climate change, but not human-inspired. Whether or not you believe that to be true, is it so bad to make cleaner the air we breathe, safer the water we drink, remediate the soils we require? These are important factors that can grow significant jobs in research, prototype development, and in product design. So let's move forward. The evidence is compelling. The temperatures have risen some 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1901. That is major change. The warming, in large part, is due to human activity. The continuation of burning fossil fuels, adding to the greenhouse gas emissions out there, is unacceptable. Sixteen of the last 17 years are the warmest years on record. And there are those saying: Well, it's just a cycle. Well, that is a long stretch of time. There is no sign out there that it is going to stop. There is no pause there as a warning.…”