BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 22 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today applauded the more than 1,000 Vermonters who were among 400,000 demonstrators at the People’s Climate March in New York on Sunday.
“Vermonters from across the state marched in New York City because they understand that climate change is the greatest environmental crisis facing our planet. They know that the United States and other countries must take bold action now to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet for our children and grandchildren,” Sanders said.
Sanders also praised Bill McKibben of Ripton, Vermont, the founder of the international environmental organization 350.org and one of the lead organizers for the mobilization. “Bill understands that the only way we’ll reverse global warming is if millions of people all over the world are prepared to take on the powerful fossil fuel industry and demand change,” Sanders said.
The People’s Climate March was held on the last weekend of the hottest summer worldwide on record. It was planned to coincide with a United Nations Climate Summit this week in New York.
Sens. Sanders and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) were among the elected officials participating in the march. They have led efforts in Congress to address climate change. Sanders is a member of the Senate environment and energy committees and the author – with environment committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) – of legislation to tax carbon and methane emissions that cause global warming.
Contact: Michael Briggs (202) 224-5141
Big crowds today
Protestors currently sitting in on Wall Street and ordering pizzas.