Friend,

We just experienced the worst heat wave we've ever had in Washington state and in other parts of the American West. By every measure. I'm saddened by the news of deaths and hospitalizations, and I worry for the resilience of our transit networks and power grids. Now, we are already experiencing the next climate emergency as the drought across the Pacific Northwest worsens.

The simple truth is this: We are gravely underprepared for the growing threat of climate change. Science tells us that unless we act fast to reduce greenhouse gasses, extreme weather events like this will only be more frequent, longer lasting, and more intense.

But we are also at a critical juncture in this crisis. Congress can include clean energy and climate resiliency initiatives as core steps to rebuilding our nation's infrastructure -- and it must.

Join me in saying that it's absolutely crucial that we pass the bold, necessary policies to end the climate crisis and leave a healthier planet to future generations.

This heat wave should be proof enough of the strain climate change puts on our public health systems and our built environments. I must admit -- I felt hopeful when news of the newly formed Conservative Climate Caucus came out. With two House Republicans from Washington's delegation in this caucus, I thought we could get right to work at addressing our state's immediate crisis.

But instead of engaging in good faith to draft an emergency response, most of the caucus voted to oppose reducing methane emissions. Some of them went so far as to slam our infrastructure proposals as an expensive, "rush to green" agenda.

You and I know that the scale of the climate threat must be met with equally bold policy.

Sign my petition to urge Congress, especially the members of the new Conservative Climate Caucus, to act swiftly to address this crisis.

As the heat continues, please stay safe and hydrated.

Thank you,

Maria Cantwell