Heinrich Statement On President Obama's Plan To Combat Climate Change

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after attending President Obama's speech at Georgetown University on climate change this afternoon:

"I applaud and share President Obama's commitment to tackling our current climate crisis. His plan puts in place common-sense solutions to cut carbon pollution, move our economy toward American-made clean energy sources, and protect the health of our children.

"Climate change is not theoretical. In New Mexico we're seeing bigger fires, drier summers, and less snowpack in the winter. It's morally imperative that we embrace the challenge of reversing the effects of climate change and lead the world in innovation and clean energy, using science as our guide to making solid policy decisions.

"America can and must become truly energy independent, and move from traditional carbon intensive energy sources to ever cleaner alternatives. New Mexico is already capitalizing on a diversified but rapidly transforming energy sector and stands to benefit from the President's commitment to expanding permitting for renewables projects on public lands, and leveraging efficiency projects and innovative technologies.

"Through American ingenuity, we can slow the effects of climate change and unleash the full potential of cleaner homegrown energy, creating a more stable, healthier environment for future generations."