Congressman celebrates Paris Agreement, Hawaii renewable energy funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Mark Takai, member of the Safe Climate Caucus, celebrated Earth Day and praised the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement. Since taking office, Takai has worked diligently to increase sustainability efforts for Hawaii.
“Climate change represents one of the most pressing matters of this time, and I was proud that the Administration chose to sign the Paris agreement to mark Earth Day today. Our commitment to protect our planet and environment is one that everyone must take seriously, and I am proud to work alongside world leaders in the effort to make this pledge a reality,” Takai said.
Today, as many as 155 countries intend to sign the new international Paris Climate Agreement to address greenhouse-gas-induced climate change. No international agreement to date has attracted as many signatures on the opening day of the year-long signature period. Takai joined Members of the House and Senate, including Senators Schatz and Hirono, to sign a letter in support of the agreement.
“We need to make sure that the islands are a safe and healthy home for generations to come. I was proud to pass an amendment to reauthorize a hydrokinetic renewable energy program at $50 million in our comprehensive energy bill last year. Work in this area is ongoing in Hawaii, and we must continue to find new, innovative ways to protect our environment. That is also why I introduced The Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016 with Senator Hirono, which would establish a competitive prize for federal agencies that develop innovative solutions to protect the vitality of coral reefs,” Takai added.
In October 2015, Takai and Rep. Ted Duetch (D-FL) passed an amendment to H.R. 8, The North American Energy Security Act, that would reauthorize and slightly amend the Department of Energy’s marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy program. The program would be reauthorized with a funding level of $50 million for FY16 through FY19.
H.R. 4811, the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016, a no-cost bill introduced by Takai and Senator Mazie Hirono, would encourage the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense, to collaboratively use existing funds across agencies to protect fragile coral reefs.
Attachment: PDF iconParis Agreement Letter.pdf; Letter signed by Rep. Takai and other members in support of Paris Climate Agreement
