| Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to
the environment, health and economy of our nation and our
world. With the U.S. Senate expected to take up legislation
this spring (2008), now is the time to let your Senators know
that they should support strong action to control global warming.
Please contact your Senators and tell them to support and strengthen
S. 2191, America’s Climate Security Act.
Recent scientific studies show that global warming is already causing
environmental changes that will have significant global economic
and social impacts. America’s Climate Security Act, S. 2191,
sponsored by Senators Lieberman and Warner, will establish the basic
framework that is necessary to curtail the pollution that is causing
climate change.
S. 2191 is a good first step. The bill establishes a “cap
and trade” system that will, if properly carried out, achieve
two essential goals: cutting green-house gas emissions enough to
prevent the worst impacts of global climate change, and doing so
in an economically efficient manner. The “cap” sets
a limit on allowable emissions from electric power, transportation
and manufacturing sources that will decline over time to meet the
pollution-reduction goal. The “trading” system sets
up a market that allows sources to buy, sell, borrow and trade emission
allowances so reductions can be achieved in the most cost-effective
ways.
However, the legislation should be strengthened in two ways.
First, the bill should ensure that pollution reduction
goals are consistent with the best scientific analyses. Currently,
the legislation does not achieve all the reductions that will
likely be needed, and advances in scientific knowledge may
later indicate a need for quicker or greater reductions. Second,
the auction system should be expanded to include more
emissions earlier in the process. This will both
speed compliance and increase the economic efficiency of the
program.
Tell your Senators to oppose weakening amendments, particularly
loopholes that undermine the emissions cap through such mechanisms
as a so-called "safety valve" that would allow sources
to purchase unlimited emission allowances.
TAKE ACTION
1. Contact your Senators now, by phone or by email, and tell them to strengthen
and pass S. 2191, as well as to oppose weakening amendments. Tell them that global
climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and
economy of our nation and our world.
2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your
friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Senators today!
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