Heinrich Backs Resolution Recognizing Children’s Fundamental Rights And Climate Recovery Planning

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has introduced a resolution to protect the fundamental rights of the nation’s children in the face of climate chaos’ increasingly destructive effects—which include recent raging wildfires and catastrophic hurricanes.

The Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution recognizes that the climate crisis disproportionately affects the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children. The resolution demands that the U.S. develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets. The resolution supports the policy principles underpinning Juliana v. United States, the constitutional climate lawsuit brought by 21 youth plaintiffs who are suing the executive branch of the federal government for contributing to the climate crisis.

"Our kids are going to be the ones who feel the impacts of our climate action--or inaction,” said Heinrich. “We need to heed their urgent calls to address the climate crisis head-on. I am proud to stand with all of the young climate activists who are demanding real action and science-based solutions to the greatest challenge of our generation."

In September 2019, Senator Heinrich joined leading American youth climate activists, indigenous youth from the Amazon, and school strike for climate organizer Greta Thunberg to call for action on climate change.

Senator Heinrich has been a leading voice in the Senate on the need to combat climate change. As a member of the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he is helping to lead the effort to finally implement real solutions to reduce carbon pollution, mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, and transition to a clean energy economy.

The legislation was led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The House companion was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and Bobby Rush (D-Ill.).

For the full list of 50 organizational endorsements and additional statements of support, click here. Download the fact sheet here.