Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy climate for future generations, and thus to restoring the climate.

Bill Number: H.Con.Res. 46
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Environmental Protection
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-04-06T20:08:30Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 46) expresses the sense of Congress regarding the United States' commitment to restoring a safe and healthy climate for future generations. It emphasizes reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels to preindustrial levels (below 300 parts per million, or ppm) to address climate change impacts, while complementing efforts to cut emissions.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) and three main declarative points in the "Resolved" section:

Recognition of obligation: Congress formally acknowledges its duty to future generations to restore a safe climate, highlighting humanity's moral responsibility.
Policy priorities: It declares "climate restoration" (reducing CO2 to below 300 ppm through removal methods) and achieving net-zero CO2 emissions as top climate policy goals.
Call to action: It urges the President, Secretary of State, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to pursue actions that restore the climate and stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at preindustrial levels, potentially through an international treaty.

Background details cover:

Historical CO2 levels (preindustrial below 300 ppm; current ~420 ppm, causing global harms like extreme weather, health issues, and economic damage).
Definition of "climate restoration" as both a goal (CO2 below 300 ppm) and required actions (e.g., removing ~1 trillion tons of CO2 by 2050 via natural and technological methods).
Supporting science: Natural processes have removed vast CO2 amounts historically; modern methods can replicate this, including ocean carbon sequestration.
Complementary measures: Reducing short-lived pollutants like methane by 2030, addressing feedback loops (e.g., changes in Earth's reflectivity or ocean patterns), and linking to youth mental health impacts from climate disasters.
References to prior resolutions (H. Res. 975 and H. Res. 259) and California's SR-34, which first recognized the need for federal action on CO2 restoration.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

This is a non-binding concurrent resolution, meaning it expresses congressional opinion but does not create enforceable law, amend statutes, or appropriate funds. It introduces no direct changes to existing U.S. law, such as the Clean Air Act or international agreements like the Paris Accord. Instead, it builds on prior climate policy by elevating "restoration" (active CO2 removal) as a priority alongside emissions reductions.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: Encourages the executive branch (e.g., State Department, EPA) to prioritize research, investment in CO2 removal technologies, and diplomatic efforts for global climate treaties. No mandatory requirements, but it could influence budget requests or agency guidelines.
On citizens: Aims to mitigate climate risks like heat waves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and health issues, potentially improving long-term quality of life, agriculture, and economies. It highlights benefits for youth and future generations, including mental health support amid disasters.
On international relations: Signals U.S. leadership in global climate efforts, potentially strengthening alliances (e.g., under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) and pressuring for a new treaty on CO2 stabilization. Could enhance U.S. credibility in negotiations but might strain relations with nations skeptical of aggressive targets.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Future generations and youth: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution frames restoration as essential for their survival and justice, addressing disproportionate impacts on young people.
U.S. government officials: Congress, President, State Department, and UN Ambassador are directly called upon to act.
Scientists and innovators: Encouraged to advance CO2 removal technologies leveraging natural processes (e.g., ocean pumps, sequestration).
General public and economies: Affected by reduced climate disasters, improved health/ecosystems, and potential job growth in green tech.
International community: Nations and organizations like the UN, urged to collaborate on shared climate goals.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: As a sense-of-Congress resolution, it has no legal force but can guide interpretations of existing environmental laws (e.g., supporting EPA regulations on emissions). It aligns with constitutional duties under the Preamble (promoting general welfare) without infringing on separation of powers.
Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's role in declaring policy priorities and advising foreign affairs, but defers implementation to the executive branch, respecting Article II powers.
Political: Serves as a bipartisan signal (introduced by Democrats) to advance climate agenda amid partisan divides; could mobilize support for future binding legislation or budgets. It promotes "intergenerational climate justice" and references state actions (e.g., California), potentially influencing federal-state dynamics. Risks politicization if viewed as overly ambitious, given the scale of CO2 removal needed (~50 billion tons/year for 20 years).

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

Recent Actions

2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-07-23: Submitted in House
2025-07-23: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy climate for future generations, and thus to restoring the climate. — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (4 pages)