HR 27 (LSB 2823YH (10) 88)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 27

BY  ISENHART, THEDE, OURTH, JACOBY, McKEAN, STAED, FORBES, BENNETT, KRESSIG, DONAHUE, KURTZ, KURTH, KACENA, GASKILL, HUNTER, MASCHER, ANDERSON, WINCKLER, LENSING, COHOON, WOLFE, WILLIAMS, STECKMAN, McCONKEY, JAMES, OLSON, SUNDE, DERRY, MATSON, WESSEL-KROESCHELL, BROWN-POWERS, HEDDENS, GAINES, EHLERT, KONFRST, B. MEYER, OLDSON, and HALL

A Resolution of the Iowa General Assembly, on the occasion of Earth Day, 2019, recognizing the threat of climate change and committing to necessary and appropriate legislative action to improve air quality, combat climate change, mitigate its effects, and position our economy for sustainable growth and job creation.

   WHEREAS, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has found that warming of the global climate system is “unequivocal”; and
   WHEREAS, there is “no convincing alternative explanation” for changes in the climate other than “human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases” based on the most recent findings of the U.S. Global Change Research Program; and
   WHEREAS, research shows that climate change has a demonstrated impact on human health and safety, including more natural disasters and greater extreme weather, causing damage to the Earth’s ecosystems, social systems, and infrastructure; increased risks of disease; as well as expanded range and distribution of disease-carrying insects; all with the potential to prompt mass human migrations and political destabilization that can threaten national security; and
   WHEREAS, the United States economy will decrease by 10 percent by the end of the 21st century according to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, if significant steps are not taken to address and reduce atmospheric warming; and
   WHEREAS, Iowa would be particularly impacted by crop failures, disruptions in supply chains, and a reduction in agricultural yields due to rising temperatures, severe weather, flooding, extreme heat, wildfires, and drought; and
   WHEREAS, Iowa, producing the most corn and soybeans in the United States, could experience a 25 percent reduction in yields by the middle of the 21st century, a severe threat to the state’s economy; and
   WHEREAS, since 2011, research scientists and educators from virtually every college and university in Iowa have produced or signed on to eight annual statements calling attention to climate impacts on the health of Iowans, the threat of increasing humidity, the dangers of drought, the multiple benefits of climate-smart agriculture, as well as designing buildings and communities for the future; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the United States Congress, Iowa General Assembly, and the Governor of Iowa commit to taking necessary and appropriate steps to mitigate and prevent the impacts of climate change; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Iowa General Assembly is committed to enacting state climate policy to plan for and achieve reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through a legislative climate action plan to meet these goals, as well as to advance a robust, sustainable economy marked by the expansion of green, clean energy jobs; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Iowa General Assembly is committed to establishing ambitious clean renewable energy goals, timelines, incentives, measurements, and public reporting; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Iowa General Assembly is committed to increasing energy efficiency by setting targets for energy producers and users to reduce costs and prevent energy waste; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Iowa General Assembly encourages educational institutions, public jurisdictions, and other entities to provide critical research, educate the public, and engage in collaborative projects to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as well as to support families and individuals in taking personal responsibility by developing climate-aware lifestyles, habits, and practices.