Rep. Scott Peters has unveiled The Climate Playbook, a comprehensive online plan he compiled of existing bills authored by both Republicans and Democrats, many of which have already earned bipartisan support.
Peters said passing these existing legislative proposals would take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gasses and slow—even reverse—the effects of climate change. He said the existence of this draft legislation means Congress does not have to start from scratch.
“We need a playbook because policymakers and the public broadly agree we must act now to stop catastrophic climate change. The new Congress has a new opportunity to act—but we do not need to start from zero. These are policies Congress can implement right now—and given that many are bipartisan, there is real opportunity to get bicameral approval so they can become law,” said Peters.
Peters organized the draft legislation into categories that include ways to reduce emissions from a variety of economic sectors, promote energy efficiency, reduce pollution, increase investment in research and development, spur more investment in adaptation and resiliency, develop a workforce to make all this possible, and support workers and communities displaced or impacted by this transition to clean energy.
As additional bills are proposed and current bills are tailored, Peters’ playbook will be updated.
“We cannot wait another two years—nor can we wait for Congress to come to consensus around a single bill. The Climate Playbook acknowledges this reality. I encourage my colleagues to consider how we can move beyond resolutions to immediate climate action. I look forward to working with experts, my colleagues, and the public to determine what other bills Congress should consider, what gaps need to be filled to address climate change, and what improvements can be made to bills already introduced,” he said.
Peters represents the 52nd District, which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego. He is a member of the House Energy & Commerce and Budget committees.
