WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement on becoming Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works during the 117th Congress.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as Chairman during such a critical time for our country and planet,” said Chairman Carper. “As I take over the gavel, I stand ready to work with my colleagues on the committee, including Ranking Member Capito. Together, we can find lasting solutions to some of the most consequential problems of our time. This includes the incredible challenge to save our one and only planet.

“Our nation is suffering from multiple crises, but none are greater—or more imminent if we fail to act—than the climate crisis. I do not see this crisis through partisan eyes for partisan purposes. I see this crisis through the eyes of the American people, who see the effects of climate change every day.

“Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050 and we have to act now to make that a reality. By doing so, we will create millions of good-paying jobs with labor protections along the way and ensure no community gets left behind in the process. That’s what it means to Build Back Better and that is the challenge ahead of us. Now, let’s get to work.”

The additional majority members on the Committee are:

Senator Cardin (D-Md.)

Senator Sanders (D-Vt.)

Senator Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

Senator Merkley (D-Ore.)

Senator Markey (D-Mass.)

Senator Duckworth (D-Ill.)

Senator Stabenow (D-Mich.)

Senator Kelly (D-Ariz.)

Senator Padilla (D-Cal.)

Yesterday, the Committee held its first hearing of the 117th Congress to consider the nomination of Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can view that hearing here.

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