Vice President Kamala Harris visits Georgia Tech, talks climate change

ATLANTA - On the heels of the State of the Union Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris made a stop in Atlanta to highlight the administration's handling of climate change.

"I grew up with the issue in many ways, but I think is one of the most pressing issues of our time," Harris said.

There was a huge welcome for the VP Wednesday at Georgia Tech's campus. Harris' visit was part of the administration's post-State of the Union blitz across the country. The stop in Atlanta focused on the climate crisis.

Harris talked about the administration's investments and actions to save the planet. She also talked about clean drinking water and removing lead pipes to protect vulnerable communities. One accomplishment she emphasized is the Inflation Reduction Act which dedicates more than $350 billion toward climate work.

"This is the planet we've got, it is a precious place," she said. "It is a place that we have a responsibility for taking care of. There is a whole lot of work that can be done."

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Georgia Tech. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

The Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech was filled to capacity with local leaders, VIPs like Stacey Abrams and students.

"I really do appreciate how she's coming to talk on a college campus, how we have students in the crowd," one student said. "At the end of the day, this is a present issue, but also like that's our future."

The Biden Administration has focused a lot of effort on the climate with goals to reduce carbon emissions by the end of the decade.

The VP says it is part of a multi-layered approach to protect the earth.

"The clock is not just ticking, it is like banging," Harris said. "It is requiring us to move quickly, but there is so much to be excited about in terms of what we can do."

The Republican National Committee was critical of the event. It released a statement the following statement:

"While hardworking Georgians, alongside families across the country, are burdened by the high cost of everyday goods, Kamala Harris’ visit today proves just how out of touch this administration is. Instead of spewing more of the same empty rhetoric that Biden delivered last night, Democrats need to take accountability for their failures on everything from rising prices to skyrocketing crime. It’s what the American people deserve."

Biden spent his Wednesday traveling to Wisconsin.

Harris will be back on the road Thursday heading to Minnesota to promote electric vehicles.