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House committee advances resolution declaring climate change a public‑health emergency; supporters and opponents testify
Summary
SCR 111, which declares a public‑health emergency relating to climate change and calls for cross‑sector solutions, received testimony from public‑health advocates and dissenting commenters; the committee recommended passage unamended.
The House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection on April 10 recommended passage of SCR 111, a resolution that declares a public‑health emergency related to climate change and calls for cross‑sector action to strengthen the public‑health response.
Supporters, including members of the Climate Change and Health Working Group and medical professionals, told the committee the resolution is necessary to coordinate responses and prepare for health impacts from heat, pollution and extreme weather. Emily Werner, testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group, said, “The health of our earth is directly linked to the health of our public.” Werner identified the working group as a mix of “medical professionals, academics, scientists, students, and teachers spanning across the state.”
Dr. Elizabeth Kiefer, a physician and faculty member at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, testified in support as an individual and addressed concerns raised at a prior hearing that declaring a climate health emergency would dilute other emergencies. Kiefer said, “Climate change is a threat multiplier. It does not dilute. It amplifies.” She urged the committee to pass the resolution so state departments would coordinate planning to strengthen the health response.
The committee also received opposition testimony. Several opponents filed written comments and a small group spoke against the resolution, citing skepticism about the scientific basis for declaring a climate‑related public‑health emergency; one remote testifier referenced named scientists who dispute mainstream climate findings.
Committee members recorded the recommendation to pass SCR 111 SD 1 unamended; the motion was adopted with the chair and vice chair voting aye and Representative Quinlan noted as excused. The committee’s action advances the resolution for further legislative consideration.
The resolution is nonbinding policy guidance directing state agencies to coordinate planning and does not itself appropriate funds or impose regulatory changes.
