(Washington, DC)—Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is proud to announce he has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to the newly created Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Established by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and approved by the House of Representatives yesterday, the Select Committee will raise the public’s awareness on the critical issues facing the global environment.
 
“Protecting and preserving our global environment is something I have been passionate about for years,” Cleaver said. “I am proud not only to be asked, but to serve on the Select Committee. For decades, we have created and relied on energy sources, which not only have made our nation close to becoming absolutely dependent on foreign oil, but have put our planet in real danger. There are hard choices that need to be made, and the United States, is very late to the table,” Cleaver said.
 
Earlier this year, Speaker Pelosi explained to the U.S. Conference of Mayors that she would appoint one of their own, former Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver, to work with them on this serious issue. “With his values and experience, global warming will be an issue that is as local as the neighborhoods in your cities, and as global as all of God’s creation,” Pelosi said of the ordained United Methodist pastor.
 
Congressman Cleaver has been specifically charged by Speaker Pelosi with reaching out to mayors across the country and involving the faith community around the world in this international discussion on global warming.
 
President of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Pete Levi, applauded the announcement, “The Chamber is thrilled that Congressman Cleaver has been appointed to this important new Select Committee. The Chamber is actively engaged in developing strategies dealing with global warming and energy conservation within the business community. Having Congressman Cleaver serve as a member of this Select Committee gives not only the business community, but also all of those individuals and organizations that are working on this important cause direct access to decision making in Washington on issues that will affect our community and the nation as a whole for years to come. This is a “win win“ for the Kansas City area and the entire nation.”
 
David Warm, executive director of the Mid-America Regional Council, the bistate council of governments in the Kansas City metro area, was also very pleased to learn of Congressman Cleaver’s appointment. “Congressman Cleaver is the perfect choice for this committee. I can think of no one better as a liaison to cities and to the faith community both nationally and within our region. In fact, cities in our region are beginning to organize around this issue and he will be an outstanding resource. As a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Mayor’s Committee on Climate Change, on which I serve, I know the Congressman will support our work as we move forward on this critical issue.”
 
The Select Committee will gather information and background to protect America’s national security by examining our country’s dependence on foreign oil. Additionally, the Select Committee will serve as a fact finder. It will help shape legislation by having hearings to examine the most pressing environmental issues, new green technologies, and focus innovation to cease and repair our nation’s environment. 

The Committee will hold hearings around the world and provide recommendations to the committees that oversee different aspects of energy and climate policy. Representative Edward J. Markey (MA-7), a pioneer in aggressive environmental policy, will chair the panel.

“Already, scientists are predicting this year will be the warmest year on record. This comes after the last five years have been the hottest ever recorded. Our nation must act now, not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. We cannot let our inconvenient truth become their tragic reality,” Cleaver said. “Now is the time to roll up our sleeves. I am honored by the appointment and am ready to get to work.”
 
The Democratic members of the Select Committee are listed below:

• Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Chairman
• Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon
• Congressman Jay Inslee of Washington
• Congressman John Larson of Connecticut
• Congresswoman Hilda Solis of California
• Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth of South Dakota
• Congressman Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri
• Congressman John Hall of New York
• Congressman Jerry McNerney of California
 
Republican Leader John Boehner named minority members to the Select Committee:
 
• Congressman James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin, Ranking Member
• Congressman John Shadegg of Arizona
• Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon
• Congressman John Sullivan of Oklahoma
• Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
• Congresswoman Candice Miller of Michigan

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.