First-ever DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council Launched To Urge the Democratic Party To Take Bolder, More Aggressive Approach to the Climate Crisis

WASHINGTON – Today, the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council launched to push  the Democratic Party to take bolder and more ambitious action to address the climate crisis and other environmental issues. The DNC’s first-ever Environment and Climate Crisis Council is a permanent entity of the DNC and was founded by Chairwoman Michelle Deatrick, an environmental activist and DNC Committeewoman representing Michigan. 

“We have less than a decade before devastating levels of irreversible climate change are inevitable, which is why it’s so important that we’ve established a DNC Climate Council. We know Republicans will not act meaningfully. So we need to ensure that the Democratic Party addresses this crisis with all needed urgency, starting with the Democratic Party platform,” said Michelle Deatrick, Founder and Chair of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council. 

“When the DNC voted down the possibility for a climate debate, we seized the opportunity to establish the Council and really hold the Party’s feet to the fire on these vital issues. This an emergency. We need the Democratic Party to rise to the need. 

“Ensuring that the Democratic Party and DNC tackle the climate crisis is an enormous challenge. The diverse, passionate team that we’ve brought together on the Council is committed to the task.”

With the support of more than 50 co-sponsors, numerous allies, and the eventual backing of DNC leadership, the resolution to create the DNC’s first Council on Environment and the Climate Crisis was approved by the DNC. The Council is a separate entity with its own board, officers and by-laws. 

The Council’s main objectives include:

• Advocating to the DNC and Democratic Party for the development and adoption of policies that address the climate crisis with the necessary vision and urgency, starting with the 2020 Democratic Party platform.

• Increasing participation in the electoral process by people in the environmental and sustainability communities and those impacted by environmental and sustainability issues.

• Working with organizers to ensure there are state-level Democratic Party Environmental Caucuses or Councils in all states and territories.

The Council’s Officers and Executive Board include:

• Michelle Regalado Deatrick, Founder and Chair

• David Green, Vice Chair

• D Garcia, Youth Director

• Jennifer Burney, Science Officer

• Allison Stephens, Director of Black Engagement

• Elly Zaragoza, Director of Latinx Engagement

• Paulette Jordan, Director of Native American Engagement

• Pete Lee, Director of AAPI Engagement

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