Dems push climate controls to combat extreme weather

House Democrats are calling for strong new climate regulations to battle the extreme weather that has affected communities across the country. Wildfires in California, flooding in Colorado and devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy should be proof enough that the federal government needs to act, lawmakers said Tuesday. “We spend billions of dollars to respond to each disaster and rebuild in the aftermath,” said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.). “Unfortunately many members of Congress continue to deny that climate change is even happening.” Waxman is head of the new 28-member Safe Climate Caucus that was formed this year to raise awareness about climate change and push back on Republican opposition to new environmental rules. On Tuesday, the caucus heard from ranchers, farmers and others affected by recent wildfires, droughts and storms across the country. Members on the panel expressed concern that Congress has not been acting strongly enough to protect Americans affected by the extreme weather events...more