Recognizing a health and safety emergency disproportionately affecting the fundamental rights of children due to the Trump administration’s directives that unleash fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, while suppressing climate change science.
Summary
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress regarding a health and safety emergency disproportionately affecting children due to the Trump administration's directives that allegedly unleash fossil fuels, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and suppress climate change science. The resolution calls for recognizing the emergency, opposing President Trump's executive orders, and demanding the restoration of the EPA's core mission and climate science data.
Expected Effects
If passed, the resolution would primarily serve as a statement of congressional opinion. It would likely increase pressure on the executive branch to alter its energy and environmental policies. However, as a concurrent resolution, it does not have the force of law and would not directly compel any specific action.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of the potential impacts of climate change on children's health and well-being.
- Potential for renewed focus on transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources.
- Possible restoration of climate science data and resources on federal websites.
- Could lead to greater scrutiny of executive actions related to fossil fuel development.
- May encourage an intergenerational system of governing that considers the rights of children and future generations.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is largely symbolic and may not result in concrete policy changes.
- It could further polarize the political debate surrounding climate change.
- The claims made in the resolution regarding the Trump administration's actions may be disputed.
- The resolution could be seen as an overreach of congressional authority.
- May not lead to immediate or tangible improvements in environmental quality or public health.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution raises questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Congress has the power to establish agencies like the EPA and enact laws like the Clean Air Act (Article I, Section 8). However, the extent to which Congress can direct the executive branch's implementation of those laws is subject to interpretation. The resolution also touches on fundamental rights, potentially implicating the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments' due process and equal protection clauses, particularly concerning the rights of children and future generations.
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).