Florida Democrat Bill Nelson is a part of a new climate change task force in the US Senate. The group is focusing more on keeping current regulations in place than in advancing legislation.
Unlike the many climate change skeptics in Congress, Nelson says sea level rise and sporadic weather patterns make the problem undeniable from his perch in the Sunshine State.
“The seas are rising. Miami Beach is flooding. Bangladesh is threatened", Nelson said. "It’s just a matter of time before people wake up to the reality of climate change.”California Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer is leading the task force. She recognizes with Republicans in control of the House advancing climate change legislation is next to impossible. But Boxer says the group will play a vital role in combating attempts to unwind current environmental regulations.
“We know we have to fight back against roll backs. This is a huge issue", said Boxer. "And a few of us have done that alone - we have a task force now that is going to be at the ready because the biggest fight we’re going to have is to keep the progress we’ve already made.”
In spite of the makeup of Congress, task force members say their priorities are maintaining renewable fuel standards and increasing energy efficiency programs.