Nurses Applaud Introduction of 100% Clean Economy Act
Washington, DC – Today Representatives McEachin, Haaland, Dingell, Blumenauer, Tonko, and Pingree introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act. This bill sets a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050, and directs federal agencies to take actions to improve public health, particularly for those disproportionately impacted by climate change. In response to the bill introduction the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments’ Executive Director, Katie Huffling, MS, RN, CNM, FAAN issued the following statement:
“As nurses, we see the realities of how climate change impacts the health of our patients and the communities we care for across the country. Americans are already experiencing the consequences of climate change, including health impacts from more intense wildfires, catastrophic extreme weather events, and worsened air quality. Children, the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, low-income communities, and communities of color are among those that bear a disproportionate burden of the health impacts of climate change.
“Action to address climate change, including moving towards 100% clean and renewable energy, must be done so in a just and equitable manner. The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments strongly supports the 100% Clean Economy Act as it puts health at the forefront of climate action – especially for those most vulnerable to pollution and climate change – and directs federal agencies to guarantee equity as integral to decision making. This is necessary to ensure communities most at risk receive the necessary support to prepare for climate impacts and that those communities affected by a transition to clean, renewable energy benefit from solutions.
“We have a narrow window of time to take the bold and immediate action required to address climate change. Supporting the move towards a 100% clean energy economy provides a clear, achievable policy goal that will help the United States avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, and subsequently improve public health now and for future generations.”
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The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments is the only national nursing organization focused solely on environmental health issues. The mission of the Alliance is to promote healthy people and healthy environments by educating and leading the nursing profession, advancing research, incorporating evidence-based practice, and influencing policy.
