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November 30, 2015

Ranking Member Johnson Statement on Mission Innovation

(Washington, DC) - Today, at the U.N. Climate Conference in Paris, President Obama, along with the leaders of 20 other countries, announced Mission Innovation. According to the White House, Mission Innovation is "an initiative to dramatically accelerate public and private global clean energy innovation to address global climate change, provide affordable clean energy to consumers, including in the developing world, and create additional commercial opportunities in clean energy." Additionally, a parallel initiative, led by Bill Gates, was announced. The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is comprised of over 28 private capital investors who have pledged to invest in clean energy, focusing on early-stage innovations.

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said the following.

"I was thrilled to hear the announcements about Mission Innovation and the Breakthrough Energy Coalition.

"Scientists have made it abundantly clear to lawmakers and industry leaders alike that climate change is here and we must work together to deal with it. Without transforming our energy sources or reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we will not be able to address the imminent challenge of climate change. Big problems require big solutions. Investments in our research, development, and innovation enterprise along with a commitment from the private sector to help get new ideas and technologies to the market will help us find those solutions.

“We must be willing to take risks, commit to long-term, consistent policies, make the investments that encourage innovation and new competition, and agree that bureaucracy and partisanship have no place in this effort. If we do these things, we will be able to pass on a cleaner environment and stronger economy to our children and grandchildren. I think that Mission Innovation and the Breakthrough Energy Coalition are important steps in the right direction and I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to ensure that Mission Innovation will move forward.”