A resolution recognizing that climate change is real.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 553
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-06T18:29:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 553) aims to formally acknowledge the reality of climate change, emphasizing that it is supported by decades of scientific evidence and is not a hoax caused by fossil fuel emissions.
Key Provisions
- The resolution includes a single "Whereas" clause stating that climate changes due to fossil fuel emissions are proven by sound science over decades and are not fabricated.
- The core "Resolved" clause declares: "That the Senate recognizes that climate change is real."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. As a simple resolution, it does not amend statutes, create enforceable rules, or alter any existing federal laws. It is a non-binding expression of the Senate's position.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Limited direct impact, but it could symbolically support agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in climate-related initiatives by affirming scientific consensus.
- Citizens: May raise public awareness of climate science, potentially influencing opinions or encouraging advocacy, though it has no direct legal effects on individuals.
- International Relations: Could signal U.S. Senate alignment with global climate efforts (e.g., Paris Agreement), but lacks binding force to affect treaties or diplomacy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Senators and Congress: Introduced by Senators Whitehouse, Merkley, Schatz, Markey, Van Hollen, Duckworth, Padilla, Welch, and Blunt Rochester; referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for consideration.
- Environmental and Scientific Communities: Benefits groups and experts advocating for climate action by providing official recognition.
- Fossil Fuel Industry and Skeptics: May face indirect political pressure, though without enforceable outcomes.
- General Public: Affected through broader discourse on environmental policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable obligations; resolutions like this are internal Senate statements without the force of law.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on policy matters under Article I, but does not invoke executive or judicial branches.
- Political: Serves as a symbolic gesture in ongoing climate debates, potentially galvanizing support for future legislation (e.g., emissions reductions) while highlighting partisan divides, as it counters denial narratives without mandating action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing that climate change is real. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (1 pages)