Congresswoman Jenni- fer McClellan, a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, was joined by National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy on Monday to tour the Science Museum of Virginia’s exhibit, “Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience.”

With its hands-on, large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, the display explores solutions to help shape the nation’s future in space.

After the tour, Congresswoman McClellan joined local experts and environmental advocates for a discussion about the world’s looming climate crisis.

“As we experience worsening climate impacts, it is imperative that we maintain strong coordination between all levels of government, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders,” the congresswoman said.

Noting that Monday’s round-table discussion enabled federal officials to connect with local experts to share updates and priorities as they continue to combat the climate crisis,” Congresswoman McClellan added that she looks “forward to continued collaboration with NASA to advance innovative technologies and preserve our planet.”

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, agreed. “Across the globe, people are facing extreme weather conditions that require action and more accessible data on how our planet is changing.

“For decades, NASA has used our unique vantage point of space to collect data that empowers researchers and climate leaders in our communities — and around the world — to make informed decisions and prepare for the impacts of climate change for generations to come.”

Also in attendance was Sheri Shannon, co-founder of Southside ReLeaf, a volunteer organization that uses community-driven strategies to address environmental injustice.

“We’re living in a new abnormal that’s negatively impacting the health, well-being and livelihood of people, especially those in poverty and who are marginalized by systemic inequities,” Ms. Shannon said. “As we’ve seen this summer, climate-related disasters are becoming another death sentence. Leaders at every level — including the business community — need to make sizeable infrastructure investments and policies that will create healthy, safe and climate- resilient communities.”