SHAHEEN ON EARTH DAY: WE MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today called for immediate action to address the threat of climate change at two Earth Day roundtable discussions in New Hampshire. At both events, Shaheen specifically warned of the negative consequences inaction could have on New Hampshire’s environment and economy, particularly the state’s $9.3 billion tourism industry. Shaheen’s roundtable discussions with environmental leaders and stakeholders were held in both Durham and Concord.

“Earth Day provides a great reminder of the work we must do year round to address the threat of climate change,” Shaheen said. “The economic and environmental consequences of inaction are very real, particularly for New Hampshire’s tourism industry, and we simply can’t afford to ignore this problem.”

“We should act immediately on bipartisan plans to address this threat, starting with the energy efficiency legislation I’ve introduced with Senator Rob Portman,” Shaheen added. “Our bill will help create jobs, save people billions, and reduce pollution by the equivalent of taking 22 million cars off the road – and I hope we can pass it in the coming weeks on behalf of our economy and environment.”

The Shaheen-Portman Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act is bipartisan legislation that will reduce pollution, save consumers billions and create jobs. The legislation has thirteen bipartisan cosponsors and has been endorsed by industry leaders, energy-efficiency advocates and environmental stakeholders. A study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) estimates that the Shaheen-Portman bill will create more than 190,000 jobs, save consumers $16.2 billion a year, and cut CO2 emissions and other air pollutants by the equivalent of taking 22 million cars off the road – all by 2030. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed energy efficiency legislation with provisions that are also included in Shaheen’s bill.