Congress declares climate emergency for children—but can't enforce it
S.Con.Res. 18 — A concurrent resolution recognizing a health and safety emergency disproportionately affecting the fundamental rights of children due to the Trump administration's directives that unleash fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, while suppressing climate change science. · Filed by Jeff Merkley (D-OR) · 11 cosponsors · Introduced Jul 16, 2025 · Referred to committee
Your members of Congress
Enter a ZIP to see where your representative and both senators stood on this bill.
Looked up on this device — your ZIP is never stored on our servers.
What it does
This is a non-binding Senate concurrent resolution declaring that the Trump administration's fossil fuel expansion and climate science suppression constitute a health and safety emergency harming children's constitutional rights. It calls on Congress and the administration to reverse fossil fuel directives, restore EPA authority, and republish climate data.
Why we flagged it
This is a concurrent resolution—a non-binding statement of congressional sentiment—not legislation that creates law, appropriates funds, or mandates agency action. Its function is purely rhetorical and political: to declare a position and pressure the executive branch.
What the text implies
- As a concurrent resolution, this has zero legal binding force. Even if passed, it does not compel the Trump administration to reverse any executive orders, restore EPA authority, or republish climate data. It is a symbolic gesture only.
- The resolution names President Trump repeatedly and directly attacks his administration's policies by name, making it a partisan political statement rather than neutral legislative fact-finding. This may reduce its persuasive weight with the executive branch.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
renewable energy companies; electric vehicle manufacturers; clean energy technology providers