Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy climate for future generations, and thus to restoring the climate.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 46 expresses the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy climate for future generations by restoring the climate. It outlines the need to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations to pre-industrial levels (below 300 ppm). The resolution calls for climate restoration alongside emissions reductions, emphasizing the importance of CO2 removal technologies and addressing short-lived climate pollutants.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would formally recognize the obligation to future generations to restore a safe climate. It would also prioritize climate restoration alongside achieving net-zero CO2 emissions. The resolution urges the President, Secretary of State, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to take actions to restore the climate and stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at pre-industrial levels.
Potential Benefits
- Promotes a healthier environment by reducing CO2 levels.
- Could lead to technological advancements in CO2 removal and sequestration.
- May mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events.
- Could improve public health by reducing air pollution and climate-related health risks.
- Enhances international cooperation on climate change issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is non-binding, so it may not lead to concrete actions.
- Achieving pre-industrial CO2 levels is technologically challenging and potentially costly.
- The economic impact of large-scale CO2 removal efforts is uncertain.
- The resolution does not address specific implementation strategies or funding mechanisms.
- Potential for unintended consequences from large-scale geoengineering efforts.
Constitutional Alignment
While the Constitution does not explicitly mention climate change, the resolution aligns with the general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to "promote the general Welfare" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) could be interpreted to include measures addressing climate change, given its global impact. The resolution itself does not enact any laws or regulations, but rather expresses the sense of Congress, which is within its legislative purview (Article I, Section 1).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).