Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), today made the following remarks regarding the role of EPW Committee Members who also serve on the Budget Committee:

Senator Boxer said: "I have asked my EPW colleagues who serve on the Budget Committee to take the lead on this portion of the Budget that deals with cap and trade, and I am pleased that they have agreed to play that role."

Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are members of both the Budget Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Senator Cardin said: "The future health of our economy and our environment are intertwined. Through President Obama's bold leadership in developing a cap-and-trade program to control greenhouse gases, we will harness the power of the market system to transform and strengthen our economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and contribute to the overall health of our citizens and our earth by reducing harmful pollution. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Conrad to ensure that a cap-and-trade provision is accommodated by this year's budget resolution, and with Chairman Boxer to write and pass comprehensive global warming legislation this year."

Senator Sanders said: "There is a dire need for action to stop global climate change. The president's budget proposal, which includes a cap-and-trade program for emissions, shows that he understands the urgency. I look forward to working with the administration, Chairman Boxer and my fellow Budget Committee members to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while expanding the job opportunities that meaningful climate legislation will create."

Senator Whitehouse said: "Today, President Obama sent a strong signal that he intends to work aggressively with Congress to tackle the looming threat of global warming, setting the stage in his budget for a new cap-and-trade system that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a member of the Budget Committee, I will work to ensure Congress's budget reflects that important goal."

Senator Merkley said: "Confronting the climate crisis isn't just a necessity; it's also a tremendous opportunity for our nation to revitalize our economy and create new jobs. I'm pleased President Obama put this issue front and center in his budget with a strong cap-and-trade proposal and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Budget and Environment and Public Works Committees to address global climate change and position America to lead the world in a new green energy economy."

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