WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger helped introduce legislation to tackle the ongoing national security threat of climate change and to reassert the critical role of U.S. participation in global efforts to combat ongoing environmental damage.

Spanberger cosponsored the Climate Action Now Act, which would require the administration to remain in the Paris Climate Accord. Additionally, the bill would push the administration to develop an evidence-based plan for how the United States can best meet its commitment in the Accord to adequately reduce pollution levels. In 2017, President Trump formally announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord.

“The United States cannot afford to stage a diplomatic retreat from the worldwide fight against climate change. Our leadership on this issue is vital to preventing ecological catastrophe, and if we’re not at the negotiating table, we won’t have any say in how the Paris Climate Accord is enforced,” said Spanberger. “The President’s unilateral declaration to withdraw the United States from the agreement was misguided, and it showed a refusal to take the climate crisis seriously. This legislation pushes back by showing that the United States remains obligated to upholding our environmental commitments with our allies. Combatting climate change is a national security imperative, and I’m proud to help introduce legislation that recognizes the need to assert our country’s diplomatic, military, and economic strength as assets in building a more sustainable future.”

The Spanberger-backed Climate Action Now Act would prohibit any federal funds from being used to the withdrawal of the United States from the landmark Paris Agreement. Additionally, it calls on the President to develop and make public a plan for how the United States will meet our commitment to reduce pollution.

The Climate Action Now Act is led by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL-14).

Background

Spanberger has pushed the administration to recognize climate change as a pressing national security threat. Yesterday, she questioned U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a series of questions related to U.S. intelligence threat assessments, including those related to climate change.

Spanberger serves as Vice-Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment. On this Committee, her responsibilities include maintain oversight of legislation related to global energy trends, energy security, and environmental protection.

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