NDAA | Reaction to Debate on Thwarting DOD’s Ability to Assess Climate Risks

Some Republicans Ready to Endanger National Security to Protect Polluter Profits

Some House Republicans are engaged in an effort to undermine the ability of the Pentagon to analyze and address climate change.

Specifically, as reported by the Washington Post, in late June, the GOP-led House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment, introduced by Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) to the annual defense authorization bill that directs the Defense Department to assess the vulnerabilities of the ten bases in each service most threatened by the effects of climate change. Today, some Republicans in the House including Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and  Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) are introducing amendments on the floor to walk back Langevin’s amendment and other policies at DOD to account for climate change.

As reported by Politico, this debate comes as Richard Spencer, Trump’s Navy secretary nominee, told a Senate committee Tuesday that climate change represented a real threat worthy of close attention. “The Navy, from my briefings to date, is totally aware of rising water issues, storm issues, etc.,” he said. “We must protect our infrastructure, and I will work hard to make sure we are keeping an eye on that because without the infrastructure, we lose readiness.” Secretary of Defense Mattis has also repeatedly made clear his view that climate change poses a strategic threat to the U.S. military and national security.

In Response, Sierra Club Climate Policy Director Liz Perera  Released the Following Statement:

“Apparently there is no limit to what some Republican members of Congress like Representatives Scott and Davidson are prepared to do to wipe away reality, consequences be damned. Some House Republicans think they know more about climate science than actual scientists, and, amazingly, more about how to protect our troops and military bases than the Pentagon. This kind of blind arrogance endangers the health of our families and the security of our nation.”