Judgment in Paris: Federal Climate Change Legislation

Representative Mike Thompson discussed the history of climate change legislation, specifically on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and the events leading from then to the historic agreement in Paris during the Leadership Institute's January Speakers Series.

Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District which includes parts of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties. As an avid outdoorsman, Thompson is committed to preserving beautiful lands. Thompson was awarded the Sierra Club’s Edgar Wayburn Award for passing legislation that permanently protects 273,000 acres of wilderness in Northern California. The award is given in recognition of service to the environment by a person in government. Thompson was joined by other Sierra Club award winners, including former Vice President Al Gore and author and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman.