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Statement on U.S.-China Joint Announcement on Climate Change

November 13, 2014

Washington, D.C.—Today, members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) applauded President Obama’s announcement from Beijing that the U.S. and China have agreed to carbon pollution reduction targets.

The coalition members said, “SEEC applauds the President’s leadership in recognizing the global threat of climate change and the need for international cooperation to address the crisis. The U.S. and China are the world’s top two carbon polluters. This agreement will challenge the rest of the international community to take similar action in advance of global climate negotiations next year. The effects of climate change have come at a high cost for the American people, as extreme wildfires, floods, droughts, and storms have affected millions. The science is settled, the President has acted, and the international community is mobilized. Now is the time to act on climate.”

The President has announced that, in 2020, the U.S. will accelerate already-established carbon pollution reductions with the goal of achieving a 26-28 percent reduction by 2025, as compared to 2005 levels. This ambitious, but achievable target puts the U.S. on a trajectory for a carbon pollution reduction of 80 percent by 2050. Meanwhile, China will work to peak their carbon pollution growth by 2030, if not earlier, with a plan to produce 20 percent of their energy from non-fossil sources, like solar and wind, by 2030.

In the House of Representatives, SEEC members have led the fight for climate action by promoting policies that would accelerate growth in the production of clean energy, reduce American’s utility bills by improving efficiency, and protect people’s health by preserving their access to clean air and water. Now is time for the Republican leadership in Congress to finally put an end to their dirty energy agenda in favor of climate action.

SEEC Members added the following statements in response to the U.S.-China Joint Climate Announcement:

SEEC Co-Chair Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11): “President Obama has taken another critical step in leadership on one of the greatest challenges facing us today. This agreement between the United States and China demonstrates to the international community we can, and must, act on climate change now.”

SEEC Co-Chair Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-30): “This agreement shows how important combating climate change is, both for the U.S. and developing nations like China. It is the result of the administration's bold move earlier this year to lead by example and cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. These actions will clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. And as we have seen with other clean air laws, combating climate change and growing the economy are not mutually exclusive. It is the right thing to do for the next generation and I look forward to SEEC continuing to be an important part of that mission.”

SEEC Vice-Chair Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-06): “I am very pleased with the announcement by President Obama and President Xi Jinping of China that they have come together to set new targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. and China account for over one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but with today’s joint announcement, our countries are taking a historic and crucial step forward in addressing climate change, improving the health of our communities and environment, and advancing a new global climate agreement by 2015.”

SEEC Vice-Chair Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12): “Opponents of climate action have argued that China’s growing emissions would undo anything the U.S. might do. I have not accepted that argument, because even as China has grown they have recognized in recent years the need to limit emissions of greenhouse gases. Now we have official agreement that the U.S. and China–the world’s largest carbon polluters–will work together to cap and reduce emissions in the coming decades. Climate change is already costing us in lives and dollars. Failing to respond is simply not an option.”

SEEC Environment Task Force Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27): “Two of the world’s largest economies and most influential countries have made it clear that climate change is real, it is serious, and it must be confronted urgently. The bold reductions laid out in the agreement is an important step forward. Not only will these reductions help ensure a healthier planet for us and future generations, but they will promote and advance the clean technology industry here at home as they seek to develop, install, and upgrade our energy infrastructure. I applaud the President on reaching this plan to reduce the negative impact we are having on the climate while also creating opportunities for new jobs, new investments, and new science.”

SEEC Member Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-08): “The joint U.S.-China announcement is a significant step forward in the effort to reduce global carbon pollution and begin to address the real threats of severe climate change. As the world's two largest emitters of greenhouse gasses, it is critical that we put forward ambitious, science-based commitments to reduce emissions and protect our citizens from the devastating impacts of climate change. I fully support these pledges and believe they will help set the stage for a strong international agreement in Paris next year. I also believe Congress can and should both reinforce and expand on this progress by passing comprehensive climate legislation like the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2014, a market-based plan I introduced earlier this year to auction carbon credits and return the proceeds to the American people.”

SEEC Member Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03): “The agreement reached on carbon emission reductions between the U.S. and China is an essential step in the fight against global climate change. With the two largest global polluters jointly combating this threat, we can bring new momentum into global climate talks and hopefully encourage other nations to set similar goals. In Congress, we can achieve these goals by taking meaningful action to curb carbon pollution in the U.S. by passing a carbon tax.”

SEEC Member Rep. Mike Honda (CA-17): “In my role as Honorary Chair of the U.S.-China Green Energy Council, I am encouraged that the U.S. and China are committing to curbing their carbon emissions and incorporating non-fossil sources to their energy production. As economic powerhouses, the U.S. and China are capable of moving forward the global climate commitment, while making green technology affordable and accessible for the most economically underdeveloped nations. I have worked with my colleagues on the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and the Safe Climate Caucus to make the U.S. a leader on climate change in Congress. I am pleased that the U.S. has finally stepped into its role as a climate action leader on the world stage.”

SEEC Member Rep. Bill Keating (MA-09): “As the two greatest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. and China’s announcement marks a critical turning point in our attempt to curb the disastrous effects of climate change. The impact of these harmful pollutants knows no geographic barriers and can be seen from changes in ocean acidification and rising sea levels to public health concerns like increased frequency in new asthma cases. Climate change is a global issue that requires a global solution. Today’s announcement is a great first step in that direction.”

SEEC Member Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14): “Today's groundbreaking climate agreement with China is a significant step towards a safe climate future. Global warming deniers - including many of my colleagues across the aisle - have all too often used "Well, China's not doing anything" as an excuse for America's failure to act decisively on climate. Today, Congress can no longer hide behind that excuse. Both California and China are already experiencing the direct effects of climate change, with increased droughts, extreme weather, and dangerous heat waves. Our commitment on both sides of the Pacific will help all our children grow up in a safe future climate.”

SEEC Member Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05): “The carbon emissions reduction goals announced by President Obama and President Xi represent a landmark commitment to confronting climate change with the urgency it requires. I’m happy to see the U.S. and China working together effectively and hope this agreement will encourage further international action. This is an important first step, but to avert the climate crisis before us, we must continue to take bold and ambitious actions.”

SEEC Member Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13): “I applaud today’s bilateral agreement between the U.S. and China to address each nation’s role as major greenhouse gases emitters. This is an important step in achieving a binding agreement to address greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change which is threatening our planet, global health, human rights and international peace and security.”

SEEC Member Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06): “The agreement between the United States and China on emissions is a historic step in the fight against climate change,” said Kilmer. “From the livelihoods of shellfish growers at risk from ocean acidification to the damaging forest fires and coastal storms harming communities in our region, we know this is a big problem. It’s not just a moral imperative that we protect our lands and waters for future generations. Tackling climate change is also an economic imperative that will help create new jobs while protecting the jobs we have.”