Speaker Pelosi Announces the Appointment of Congressman Cleaver to New Select Committee on Global Warming
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is proud to announce he has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to the newly created Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Established by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Select Committee will raise the public’s awareness on the critical issues facing the global environment.
“Protecting and preserving our global environment is something I have been passionate about for years,” Cleaver said. “I am proud not only to be asked, but to serve on the Select Committee. For decades, we have created and relied on energy sources, which not only have made our nation close to becoming absolutely dependent on foreign oil, but have put our planet in real danger. There are hard choices that need to be made, and the United States, is very late to the table,” Cleaver said.
Speaker Pelosi explained to the U.S. Conference of Mayors that she would appoint one of their own, former Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver, to work with them on this serious issue. “With his values and experience, global warming will be an issue that is as local as neighborhoods in your cities, and as global as all of God’s creation,” Pelosi said of the ordained United Methodist pastor. Evangelical Environmentalist have, recently, become interested in the planets health and the need for better stewardship.
Congressman Cleaver has been charged by the Speaker with reaching out to mayors across the country and involving the faith community in this national and international discussion on global warming.
Earlier this year, Cleaver reintroduced the “Congress Leads by Example through Alternative-Fuel Resources Act” or CLEAR Act. This legislation would prohibit the use of official funds from Members’ Representational Allowances to lease any passenger vehicle, which does not use alternative fuels. The CLEAR Act is now H.R. 277 in the House.
The Select Committee will be used to gather information and background to protect America’s national security by examining our country’s dependence on foreign oil. Additionally, the Select Committee will serve as a fact finder. It will help shape legislation by having hearings to examine the most pressing environmental issues, new green technologies, and focus innovation to cease and repair our nation’s environment.
“Already, scientists are predicting this year will be the warmest year in our planet’s history. This comes after the last 5 years have been the hottest ever recorded. Our nation must act now, not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. We cannot let our inconvenient truth become their tragic reality,” Cleaver said. “Now is the time to roll up our sleeves. I am honored by the appointment and am ready to get to work.”