Our focused efforts can address climate change, create jobs and a vibrant economy

Climate change is the single biggest national security threat for the United States and the single biggest threat to worldwide industrialized civilization. We are already seeing the impact climate change is having here in California. Wildfires devastate our communities, leaving families in hardships and ruin.

I think about the future and the state we will leave this world in. It worries me. As our world continues to change, we need to create a system that prepares today’s generation and future generations to come. We are tasking these young individuals to solve imperative climate challenges that the world has never witnessed before.

We must act now to combat the effects of climate change in order to give the next generation a chance to succeed.

We have a chance to grow our economy and create thousands of new jobs by harnessing the power of green and alternative energy. In our home district, green tech innovators are at the vanguard of new technologies that will help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lead the world in clean energy production.

The United States Congress must play a critical role in supporting these industries and maintain our competitive edge in the global economy, ensuring that windmill manufacturers, solar panel makers, and biofuel producers have the support they need to grow. We have to wean the United States from fossil fuels and curb planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions across our planet and in the workplace.

Decarbonization of the economy

We must remove and replace carbon-based fuels with non-carbon-based fuels. This is imperative because the first step in curtailing the effects of climate change is slowing, and halting, greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Without such action, anything else is negligible. Replacing fossil-fuel power sources with renewables is much cheaper and will also help us meet the energy demand.

But that is not enough. We need to explore aggressive options to restore a livable climate. Man has been increasing CO2 by burning fossil fuels and deforestation - from 317ppm in 1955 to 412 today and rising, predicted to reach 450 ppm by 2040. We are heading to a point of no return. We need fast intervention - and focused investment “cheapter, faster, better” to reduce the CO2 levels. Planet earth cannot wait! We should consider options such as direct air capture systems that will operate at mega efficiency, and outpace trees in reducing earth’s CO2. We cannot rely upon just planting trees and depending on their slow carbon absorption. The situation is dire! We have been investing trillions of dollars during the pandemic, but our climate demands an urgent and immediate focus, along with an exponential investment. We should consider various options such as ocean photosynthesis in algae or seaweed - which is how nature removed CO2 before the ice ages. As your congressman, I will not only support resolutions such as H.Con.Res 52 and H.Con.Res. 137, but also demand action that will ensure a massive-scale mobilization to halt and reverse the increasing CO2. We need to ensure that the next generation will still have a planet to habitat on. Now is the time for America to take charge for the rest of the world and make a massive investment considering any and all fast acting technology efficient options.

Federal jobs guarantee and public investment

We all know that government spending stimulates the economy and spending creates growth that results in tax revenue for the spending to pay for itself. We must allow the federal government to invest in green tech and climate friendly infrastructure. This will in turn mobilize millions of Americans into professions that sets back the climate crisis. We will end up with a new economy that operates without pollution or fossil fuels.

Just and fair economic transition

Our economy needs a massive shift in a new direction and should not leave people behind by reorganizing and retraining our workforce.

Food sustainability: The 2023 farm bill

Our food supply is a national security issue and should be part of our national agenda. We could clearly feel the stress during the recent pandemic. Rishi is a strong proponent of indoor agriculture, aquaculture, regenerative agriculture and vertical farming.

The 2018 Farm Bill was a good start. But how about a new trajectory in U.S. agriculture with the 2023 Farm Bill?

• I support the Agriculture Resilience Act (H.R. 5861)
• USDA should increase funding for Office of Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production as well as the OREI (Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative) and the SCRI (Specialty Crop Research Initiative)
• Support NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) with research of microbial-rich soil cultivation
• Develop pollinator protection through Integrated Pest Management Practices
• Preserve and protect wild bee populations
• Expand eligibility for the NIFA (National Institute of Food & Agriculture) program
• Ensure that the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences finds reliable nontoxic pesticide and herbicide alternatives
• Explore marine permaculture options aka ocean farming of kelp and seaweeds
• Heavily invest in fiber processing research for raw materials of biodegradable packaging — such as plantation waste, chitosan, bamboo, hemp, cellulose, palm leaf, casein (not produced for foodstuffs), seaweed, beeswax, pressed hay, bagasse, spider silk, mycelium root, biowaste sugars, etc.

Yes, Rishi will be a #AgriWarrior

What the Climate Action Plan will achieve:

• Millions of family-sustaining jobs: Whether replacing lead pipes, expanding railways, or manufacturing wind turbines, millions of workers will lead the transition to a new green economy.
• Climate sanity: We have to transition to a clean energy economy. By investing in smart grids for renewable energy distribution, encouraging energy-efficient manufacturing, and expanding low-emissions public transit, to reduce climate pollution.
• Clean air and water: A Green New Deal would replace lead pipes, clean up hazardous waste sites, and reduce toxic air and water pollution from oil, gas, and coal. Those benefiting the most would be the communities of color and low-income families who today endure disproportionate exposure to toxins.
• Lower costs: We need to help working class families slash their energy bills and reduce their transit costs by offering more energy-efficient homes, access to affordable wind and solar power, and more reliable options for affordable public transportation.

We must promote and create jobs in a clean-tech economy in order to prevent a planetary catastrophe. Clean air, chemical free food and water standards are a basic necessity of America. We need investments in policies and projects that would change the way we design buildings, travel and eat.