Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today co-sponsored H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, a new bill that would require the Trump administration to remain in the Paris Climate Agreement and to develop a serious plan for how the United States will address climate change.

“The Trump administration’s retreat from the Paris Climate Agreement undermined America’s pledge to work with other nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I’ve co-sponsored H.R. 9 to ensure that the United States continues to be a leader in the worldwide fight against climate change, “ said Pingree. “Maine is already seeing its harmful effects every day—rapidly warming oceans are threatening our economy by causing fish and lobster to migrate while rising sea levels are jeopardizing coastal communities. We cannot ignore America’s role and expect our state will remain unscathed by the effects of climate change.”

The Climate Action Now Act would prohibit any federal funds from being used to take any action to advance the withdrawal of the U.S. from the landmark Paris Agreement. It also calls on the President to develop and make public a plan for how the United States will meet our commitment to reduce pollution. Despite the President’s unilateral declaration withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement and his refusal to take the threat of the climate crisis seriously, the United States remains obligated to uphold our commitments to our global partners. 

Addressing climate change is among Pingree’s top priorities for the 116th Congress. As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee on Interior, Pingree has advocated for greater funding to protect to our environment and reduce greenhouse gases. She recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation to support coastal communities dealing with ocean acidification and is an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal resolution. As a member of both the House Committee on Agriculture and the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Pingree is highlighting the positive contributions of agriculture to climate discussions, including the tremendous opportunity to sequester carbon in the soil.