Washington, D.C.- On the eve of the first House hearings on climate change of the 116th Congress, LCV President Gene Karpinski will attend the State of the Union address as a guest of Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20). Representative Tonko has a lifetime score of 97 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard, is co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, and in his new role as chair of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, announced on Wednesday that the committee will host its first climate-focused hearing in six years, entitled “Time for Action: Addressing the Environmental & Economic Effects of Climate Change.”

“It’s beyond outrageous that Donald Trump continues to lie about the reality of climate science and roll back commonsense environmental and public health protections to pad the profits of his polluter allies. In stark contrast, Paul Tonko is a longtime environmental champion, and I am honored to be his guest as we stand with people across the country demanding climate action,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski. “I love to say ‘elections have consequences,’ and I am thrilled that champions like Tonko are leading the new pro-environment House majority to combat the climate crisis.”

“I am delighted to be joined by Gene Karpinski and the incredible advocacy of the many League of Conservation Voters members he represents,” said Representative Paul Tonko. “Climate change already threatens every community and every bit of America’s economy, with increasingly grave consequences for our public health, national security, and our economic future. We can no longer afford inaction or denial of this scientific reality by our own government. I look forward to launching our renewed efforts in the 116th Congress on Wednesday, February 6th. I hope every member of the modern climate movement will tune in and show their support as our new House majority moves forward, at long last, to act on climate.”

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