I had hoped all of Congress would recognize that it is imperative for our health, economy, and national security that we address the effects of climate change before they get even worse.

I believe that climate change represents one of the greatest threats to our national security and our planet.

Making important energy policy that affects national security, the economy and public health is too important to be done behind the closed doors of a conference committee that avoids public hearings or the scrutiny of the full committees of each chamber. This is coming at a time when members of both parties are talking about their commitment to reform Congress to make their work more transparent and to curtail the influence of lobbyists.

Energy prices in general have been going up, as are concerns about energy security and climate change.

The impact of climate change on agriculture could result in problems with food security and may threaten livelihood activities upon which much of the population depends,

The impact of climate change is a tremendous risk to the security and well-being of our countries.