U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), called on the U.S. Department of Defense to take proactive steps that would ensure defense assets and installations are ready in the face of climate change.
In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, Warren, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Escobar, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said the department could take steps now without Congressional direction.
“We encourage you to take the proactive steps outlined in the Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act to ensure our Armed Forces are resilient and prepared to adjust to the climate challenges we face for years to come,” the lawmakers wrote.
Since 2010, the DoD has said that climate change threatens the nation’s coastal infrastructure and military capabilities, as well as poses risks to DoD operations around the world. In their letter, the Congresswomen called on the DoD to enact proposals from 2019 legislation, the Department of Defense Climate Resiliency and Readiness Act, which addresses the department’s role as the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, as well as direction to consider climate change related risks when making decisions on base realignment or closure.
“It is imperative the Department take steps to increase its resiliency against climate change. Fortunately, DoD does not need to wait for Congress to enact these proposals. You and the Armed Services already have the authorities you need to make these decisions with the climate crisis in mind without a mandate from Congress. These decisions that we can make today will have a profound impact on our ability to defend the nation and protect our interests abroad for years to come,” the Congresswomen said.