(Seriously, is there anybody as cool as Hilda Solis? (Well, maybe there are a few others who are tied.) She always supports progressive goals and organizations and pursues policy for policy’s sake. Too bad we can’t say that of all of our Representatives. Thank you Representative Solis. – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

This morning I spoke on the House floor to ask why President Bush didn’t allow the United States to take part in the United Nation’s major Global Warming discussion this week.  You can watch my floor statement on my YouTube page here.

EDIT by Brian: Flip for more.

During my floor remarks, I spoke about how the world came together earlier this week at the United Nations to discuss the need to take action against climate change. The United Nations Secretary General stated, “I am convinced that climate change and what we do about it will define us, our era and ultimately the global legacy we leave for future generations.”

Our global legacy cannot afford a legacy of inaction, which is the legacy of the Bush Administration.

The United States is the largest emitter of global warming pollution in the world. Our activity impacts human health and security. Without a mandatory agreement the costs of climate change will continue to be socialized. This means that while polluting industries benefit, the health of vulnerable communities in the United States and around the world will suffer. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration continues to bury its head in the sand, organizing summits to discuss “aspirational goals” and delaying real action.

The science is certain. Business as usual cannot go on. We must commit to mandatory reductions in order to protect health, environment, and security around the world. Our cities, states and Democrats in Congress are leading by example and I hope the Administration will join us. Vulnerable communities in the United States and around the world deserve nothing less.

http://globalwarming…
http://www.house.gov…

(Rep. Solis for President! Ok, maybe it’s too late for that. How about Governor? – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

Tomorrow I'm hosting a forum on Global Warming at Cal State LA from 9am-3pm where I will bring together environmentalists, labor unions, small businesses, cities, schools and community residents to discuss the local challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.  Speakers will include Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board.

EDIT by Brian: See the extended for more details on what sounds like a really cool event.

A segment of the discussion tomorrow will focus on an issue of great importance to me – the promise of millions of “green collar jobs” that could be created through investment in clean technology.  These good paying and mostly union jobs would greatly benefit communities like mine, where the unemployment rate continues to run above the national average and those with jobs are struggling to make ends meet. 

On August 2nd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Green Jobs Act of 2007 (H.R. 2847), legislation I introduced to authorize $125 million for job training in the renewable energy industries, such as solar and wind power.  The bill was passed on August 2nd as part of the Democrats' New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act.  The training assistance provided by the bill would be targeted to veterans, at risk youth, and displaced employees, and would help promote programs such as the one at the East Los Angeles Skills Center where individuals are being taught to install solar installation panels.  Training for green collar jobs will open the door for these workers to mostly union and well-paying jobs. 

If you cannot join me at Cal State LA tomorrow for the Forum, I hope you will work with me and my colleagues in Congress and those at the local level to bring the issue of global warming to the forefront and to highlight the promise of green collar jobs.  For more information, I encourage you to visit my website at www.house.gov/soli and the website for the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming at globalwarming.house.gov.

Nancy Pelosi appointed two of our own – Congresswoman Hilda Solis and Congressman Jerry McNerney – to the newly created Select Committee on Global Warming.  More below.

Two Calif lawmakers appointed to new global warming panel

Friday, March 9, 2007

(03-09) 09:54 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) —

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, has tapped two House members from California to serve on a new committee tasked with offering recommendations on global warming.

Reps. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, and Hilda Solis, D-El Monte, will sit on the panel along with seven other Democrats and six Republicans, Pelosi announced Friday.

There are no California Republicans on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, which was approved by the House 269-150 on Thursday over objections from Republicans who said the panel was unnecessary or its budget could be better used elsewhere.

The committee, to be chaired by Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., will hold hearings and recommend legislation. In a concession to existing committees, it will not write legislation and will exist for only two years.

Pelosi is intent on getting legislation to combat global warming through the House now that Democrats run Congress. It’s also a priority in the Senate, where Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., is taking the lead.

http://sfgate.com/cg…
http://www.house.gov…
http://www.house.gov…