Varshini Prakash, co-founder and executive director of Sunrise Movement, said the finalisation "killed one of the last remaining pieces of legislation to protect my generation from climate disaster".

"It is clearer than ever before: the fossil fuel billionaires and the lobbyists and politicians they employ are dead set on burning every last inch of our earth," she continued. "Without a doubt, this is a dark time in American history, but I am hopeful because an army of young people is rising up in every corner of the US to demand a Green New Deal, protect the health of our families, and create millions of good jobs. This is more fuel for our movement that is growing stronger every day."