Update: You can watch Sheldon’s speech below.
Washington, DC – This Sunday, climate change activists from around the country – including several busloads from Rhode Island – will converge on the National Mall in Washington, DC for what is being billed as “the largest climate rally in U.S. history.” Today it was announced that U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), one of the leading voices for action on climate change in Congress, will be speaking at the rally.
“I have been fighting hard to break through the barricade of special interest influence preventing action on climate change in Washington,” said Whitehouse. “This rally is an opportunity for people from all across America to tell those special interests to get out of the way. It’s time to take serious action, both in Congress and in the Administration, to address the damage that climate change is already causing to our communities.”
The event, called “Forward on Climate”, is being organized by the Sierra Club, 350.org, Hip Hop Caucus, Environment America, League of Conservation Voters, and a coalition of more than 50 other organizations. It will take place at noon at the northeast corner of the Washington Monument.
“After a year during which extreme weather fueled by the climate crisis has affected the lives of millions of Americans, we need champions for action now more than ever – and that is exactly what Senator Whitehouse is,” said Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. “Whether it is his tireless efforts to help Rhode Island families affected by Superstorm Sandy or his consistent support for clean energy, Senator Whitehouse has been a leader on every front to fight the climate crisis. We’re honored to have him join us on Sunday at the largest climate rally in U.S. history.”
“In a low-lying coastal state like Rhode Island, the effects of global warming are all too real, and Senator Whitehouse understands this,” said Channing Jones, Program Associate with Environment Rhode Island. “We must act now to minimize the extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification that will increase with unchecked global warming. We’re excited to hear from Senator Whitehouse at the rally in Washington, and we are grateful to the Senator for his continued leadership in working to tackle global warming.”
“Senator Whitehouse has been working tirelessly to combat the climate crisis and outline what’s at stake if Washington fails to act. We’re excited he will be addressing the Forward on Climate rally and encouraging thousands of Americans to demand action on climate change,” said Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters.
Senator Whitehouse is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and co-chair of the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change, which sent a letter to President Obama last month urging him to develop a comprehensive plan on climate change.
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