WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Matt Cartwright joined Sen. Edward J. Markey and other lawmakers on February 14 in introducing legislation to prepare Americans against the growing public health effects of climate change.

The Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act will develop a national strategic action plan to tackle these public health challenges, which include pulmonary and cardiovascular illnesses, food-borne diseases and heat-related impacts. The plan would identify and support the nation’s most vulnerable communities, while enhancing long-term research into the effects of climate change on the health of everyday Americans.

“Climate change is impacting our air quality, depleting our waterways and raising food and healthcare costs for Americans,” said Congressman Cartwright, a vice chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). “This bill is a necessary step toward protecting the health and well-being of families across the nation, especially those who live in our most vulnerable communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve our nation’s public health response to the disastrous effects of climate change.”