Here in Durango, we are seeing firsthand the effects of climate change. Durango residents are just now being moved back into their homes after having to evacuate due to the 416 Fire. The increasing size, intensity, and duration of wildfires in the West is no coincidence. Drier winters and warmer springs caused by climate change turn our forests into tinderboxes. We cannot afford to ignore these warnings. We need Congress to take action to address the real and present danger of climate change.
That’s why I am encouraging Rep. Scott Tipton to cosponsor H.R. 5031, the Challenges and Prizes for Climate Act. It would establish a competitive “climate solutions challenges” program within the Department of Energy to drive innovation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture, climate resilience and data analytics.
Using the Department of Energy program which developed the LED lightbulb as a model, the Challenges and Prizes Act would encourage public-private partnerships to help drive much needed technology innovation to develop the tools necessary to address climate change.
Please join me in calling on Rep. Tipton to cosponsor H.R. 5031, the Challenges and Prizes for Climate Act.
Scott Greenler
Durango
