The Democratic Party's recent midterm election wins in House of Representative races across the country means that the party will take over control of that body in the legislature in 2019.
Democrats likely have many plans for once they do take control officially in January, including addressing the need to examine changes in the world's climate.
Current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is a likely choice to become Speaker of the House next year, said she plans to ask members of her party to revive the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. That committee, which was created during Pelosi's last tenure as speaker, was dissolved in 2011 after Republicans took control of the House after the Tea Party election wave the year before, according to reporting from the Hill.
The committee has, in the past, held hearings about climate change and extreme weather events. Although not capable of drafting legislation itself at the time, it was deemed an important committee to allow lawmakers to discuss the effects of man-made climate change.
The establishment of the committee will almost undoubtedly run counter to the opinions of the White House. President Donald Trump has, in the recent past, suggested skepticism on the topic and with scientists themselves who say climate change is a certain and real threat.
