WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the climate crisis intensifies and Americans battle the dual stressors of job loss and public health concerns, a new report from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis — Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy and Just America— provides a blueprint for action that will achieve economic growth, protect public health and reduce the threat of climate change while protecting all Americans.

“The escalating climate crisis demands bold, equitable solutions that match the magnitude of the challenge — and that’s exactly what Chair Cathy Castor and the Select Committee have delivered,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Moving toward a zero-emission future represents our nation’s greatest opportunity to accelerate our national economic recovery and restore our natural resources. The Select Committee’s Climate Action Framework provides a detailed roadmap of how we can create millions of good-paying jobs by building clean infrastructure, deploying natural solutions that sequester emissions and bolster community resilience, revitalizing frontline communities that have borne the brunt of pollution for too long, and supporting fossil-fuel workers who helped turn the United States into an economic superpower. We urge Congress to take up the Committee’s thoughtful recommendations as quickly as possible.”

The report draws on the best of American innovation and ingenuity to outline smart policies that will help the U.S. economy achieve net-zero carbon pollution by 2050, and net negative pollution thereafter — a goal that will be necessary to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Additionally, the report focuses on 12 key areas, offering guidance on everything from infrastructure to environmental justice to labor. The report also highlights commonsense ideas like establishing a 21st century Civilian Conservation Corps to put Americans back to work and restore ecosystems.

“Virginians understand all too well what is at stake if we do not protect our natural resources and plan for the future,” said Mary Rafferty, executive director of Virginia Conservation Network. “We applaud Rep. McEachin for his commitment to promoting climate resilience while ensuring that solutions do not disproportionately impact underrepresented communities, particularly communities of color.”  

“As the Ocean State, Rhode Island knows first-hand the impact of the climate crisis, from rising sea levels to changes in marine environments to threats to urban resilience; however, our small state cannot act alone,” said Kai Salem, vice president of policy for the Environment Council of Rhode Island. “Solutions that fight carbon pollution, create jobs, and build equity must be implemented in every state and at every level.”

In many states, strengthening community resilience through investments in natural climate solutions, as the report promotes, can’t come soon enough.

“Over the last weeks once again we've been forced to watch the state we love and some very special places go up in flames,” said Scott Garlid, executive director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “Now more than ever we must invest in solutions that build our state's natural resilience to climate-fueled disasters like megafires.”

National Wildlife Federation staff met with committee members throughout the year-long drafting process and helped inform many of the report’s recommendations, including advocating for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.