Mayor Ted Wheeler is one of five mayors selected from across the country to contribute in a ground-breaking hearing organized by the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis.
The hearing was held on Wednesday, July 17 in Washington D.C, and included testimonies from Mayors from Atlanta, Honolulu, Saint Paul, Pittsburgh, and Portland.
The Mayor shared Portland’s continuing strategy and efforts to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cut carbon pollution. He, as well as the other mayors, discussed the role the federal government can and should play in helping cities achieve their clean energy goals and fight climate change.
“This hearing is about what cities across the country are doing to fight climate change,” Committee Chairman and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said. “By bringing together our country’s mayors, we can understand how our cities are taking action against climate change and how the federal government can help.”
The duties of the Special Committee—which includes Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D)—are to:
- Prioritize oversight and investigation of the efforts of special interests to foster climate denial.
- Convene meetings and conduct outreach with frontline communities impacted by climate change.
- Hold a series of hearings through 2019 and 2020, including expert witnesses and testimonials.