Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change Welcomes New Co-Chairs

Jul 25, 2013

Today the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change welcomed two new House co-chairs - Rep. Bobby L. Rush and Rep. Earl Blumenauer - and the transition of Sen. Ed Markey to his new capacity as a Senate co-chair.   

“Congressmen Rush and Blumenauer are tremendous leaders in the fight to address climate change,” said Rep. Henry A. Waxman.  “They will be a huge asset to the Bicameral Task Force as we continue our efforts to educate Congress and the public about the urgent need for action.” 

“As we continue our fight to protect the American people from the effects of climate change, I am thrilled to welcome our new co-chairs today,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.  “Senator Markey is one of the nation’s strongest voices on this issue, and he will be a powerful ally here in the Senate.  Representatives Rush and Blumenauer are deeply committed to this cause and will be excellent additions to our team in the House.  I look forward to working with all of them to make progress on climate change.”

“Serving as a co-chair for the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change requires leadership and a steady commitment to addressing climate issues,” said Rep. Rush. “The work of the Task Force will boost investments in clean energy development, support energy policies that reduce the country’s dependence on foreign energy sources, and achieve energy savings that will benefit consumers.   I welcome the opportunity to serve as one of the House co-chairs and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Task Force.”

“I’m looking forward to continuing to raise awareness of the looming threat of climate change with the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change.  The American people should know that there are members of Congress who believe that this is the most pressing issue of our time, and who are working to both slow and mitigate its impacts.  House Republicans are sticking their heads in the sand, but we will continue to promote policies that address climate change and bring about lasting change,” said Rep. Blumenauer.

“Senator Markey was an invaluable leader on climate change in the House and he brings a unique combination of expertise and drive to our efforts in the Senate.  With the addition of Congressmen Rush and Blumenauer, the Bicameral Task Force is in its strongest position yet in the fight for real progress on climate change,” said Sen. Ben Cardin.  

“Congressman Blumenauer is a passionate leader in the fight for climate action and smarter, cleaner energy policies,” said Sen. Markey.  “He was Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming when I was Chairman, and I saw his vision and commitment up close.  Congressman Rush lends an important voice to this panel, one of environmental justice and economic opportunity, and I welcome him to the Task Force.  I look forward to working with all of the members of the Task Force to amplify the calls for action to address climate change.”

The Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change, founded in January 2013, focuses on drawing congressional and public attention to climate change and developing effective policy responses to this urgent challenge.  The current co-chairs are Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Sen. Ben Cardin, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, and Sen. Ed Markey.  Additional information on the Task Force is available online here