More than 40 lawmakers sent a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis asking him to keep intact mentions of climate change in Department of Defense reports and also to ensure that strategic defense plans acknowledge the effects of climate change on national security.
“While we appreciate the need to update reports when it is appropriate and necessary, we are disturbed that the revisions may have intentionally targeted mentions of climate change,” reads the July 16th letter. “The facts are clear: climate change poses a threat to the Department and the nation.” GOP members Rep. Elise Stefanik, Rep. Carlos Curbelo, Rep. John Faso, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. John Katko, and Rep. Ryan Costello signed the letter.
Defense Secretary Mattis has acknowledged the threats posed by climate change and pushed for sustainable adaptation measures. The Defense Department has yet to publicly respond to the lawmakers.