This week, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced that U.S. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., is staying on as the chairwoman of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
Pelosi brought the select committee back when Democrats took over the U.S. House two years ago and named Castor to lead it. According to its website, the select committee “is charged with delivering ambitious climate policy recommendations to Congress, in order to achieve substantial and permanent reductions in pollution and other activities that contribute to the climate crisis.”
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., led Republicans on the select committee in the past two years. Castor is the only member of the Florida delegation on it.
Pelosi praised Castor when she announced on Monday that she would continue to lead the select committee.
“The climate crisis is the existential threat of our time, jeopardizing our public health, our economy, our national security and the whole of God’s creation,” said Pelosi. “Recognizing the urgency of this crisis and its priority for House Democrats, it is a privilege to once again name Congresswoman Kathy Castor as chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis for the 117th Congress. Under her tireless, experienced leadership, the select committee has proven to be an essential force in our work to combat the climate crisis with the bold, innovative thinking that the American people demand. As we look toward the future, this select committee will continue to champion ambitious progress to protect our communities, promote justice, create good-paying jobs and safeguard our planet for generations to come.”
“Over the past two years, our Select Committee on the Climate Crisis brought together a historic coalition of scientists, union leaders, faith advocates, farmers, tribal leaders, business leaders and environmental justice champions to deliver a comprehensive, just and actionable plan for Congress to act on climate,” said Castor. “The select committee’s ‘Solving the Climate Crisis’ report is the most detailed, sweeping climate plan in American history, laying a science-based foundation that rebuilds our economy through clean energy jobs, ensures clean air and keeps America competitive in the 21st century. In the 117th Congress, the outstanding members of the Committee will proudly work with Speaker Pelosi and the Biden-Harris administration to turn these climate solutions and clean energy investments into a reality.”
First elected to Congress in 2006, Castor is one of the top Democrats on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee which oversees health policy among other things. Castor represents parts of Hillsborough County in a secure Democratic district.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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