Press Releases

Today Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) was named Co-Chair of the Climate Change Task Force for the New Democrat Coalition, along with Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Elaine Luria (VA-02). The Climate Change Task Force will provide the New Dem perspective on combating climate change and building the green economy. Rep. Beyer plans to use his position on the task force to advocate for action on the climate crisis, and fight for solutions that spur economic growth and enhance climate resiliency.

“I am both excited and honored to lead the New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force. Climate change is a generational crisis that warrants action from all political perspectives,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “The New Dems have a strong reputation for reaching across the aisle to get things done, and I’m ready to work with my colleagues to find commonsense policy solutions for one of the biggest challenges facing Americans today.”

The New Democrat Coalition is made up of over 100 forward-thinking Democrats who are committed to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies. New Democrats are a solutions oriented coalition seeking to bridge the gap between left and right by challenging outmoded partisan approaches to governing. New Democrats believe the challenges ahead are too great for Members of Congress to refuse to cooperate purely out of partisanship. 

“The New Democrats are about finding innovative solutions to complicated issues,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, Vice-Chair for Policy. “The American people have said they want Congress to get things done. With this talented group, we’re committed to finding the best ideas to expand our middle class and create opportunities for hardworking families in this new economy.”

Representative Beyer recently received a waiver to return to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, where he will sit on the Environment, Oversight and Space Subcommittees. He also served two terms on  House Natural Resources before joining the House Ways and Means Committee for the 116^th Congress. 

Rep. Beyer is the co-Chair of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus and has sponsored carbon-pricing cap and dividend legislation to combat climate change. He was a top critic of EPA Administrator of Scott Pruitt in Congress, and has been a leader in the fight against offshore drilling from the House of Representatives.