On September 13, 2013 Representative Paul Tonko of New York was granted permission to address the U.S. House of Representatives for one minute regarding the issue of climate change. What he said had a chilling effect on people in the House chamber.
“Madam Speaker, recent superstorms like Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee have tested the resiliency of our infrastructure. During these severe weather events, bridges failed, blackouts occurred, and communities were devastated by flooding at the same time that our water supply systems failed. It took weeks to restore these vital services. Our electricity, potable water, and transportation networks must be reliable even in the face of severe storms.”
“The American people need and deserve a Congress that will work together to address the present and growing threat of climate change and do what is necessary to ensure the resiliency of our roads, bridges, electrical grid, dams, and water systems. Accomplishing this would create jobs and support our communities and our economy”, he said.
“This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Sandy-like flooding is now twice as likely due to the sea level rise associated with climate change. One need look no further to understand that the time is now to act on climate”, said Rep. Tonko (source: Congressional Record http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php).
Rep Tonko currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. He previously served on the Science, Space and Technology Committee as the Ranking Member on the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, which oversees all non-military federal research investment. He was also a member of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee. In addition, he also used to serve on the Natural Resources Committee, Education and Workforce Committee and the Budget Committee.