STATEMENT FROM GOVERNORS JAY INSLEE, JACK MARKELL, PETER SHUMLIN AND TOM WOLF ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE DURING THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

During a media conference call today, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer called on the Democratic presidential candidates to engage in a robust discussion about their specific plans to tackle climate change at tonight’s Democratic presidential debate.

After the call, NextGen Climate released the following statement from Gov. Inslee, Gov. Markell, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf:

“Climate change is an urgent threat to our country’s economy, health, and communities—and as governors we don’t have the luxury of ignoring this crisis. From responding to record-setting wildfires to rebuilding communities devastated by extreme weather, our states are on the frontlines in the fight against the impacts of climate change. But now is also the time to embrace solutions that protect our communities, which is why we are taking concrete actions at the state-level to help accelerate America’s transition to a clean energy economy.  

“Individual states can’t solve this issue alone—the magnitude of the climate crisis requires leadership at every level of government. Our next president must stand with governors across this country and take decisive action to cut carbon pollution and build America’s clean energy future. At tonight’s debate, the Democratic presidential candidates have a unique opportunity to engage in a discussion about their specific plans to tackle climate change and grow our economy by creating good-paying, clean energy jobs. We encourage a robust debate on this issue to ensure that every candidate is prepared to take action on climate change and make clean energy a top priority in the White House.”