We Need Global Warming Legislation THIS YEAR!
- by: Environmental Defense
- recipient: Senator Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Your Congressperson, Your Senators
When it comes to fighting global warming, we are running out of time.
Scientists tell us that we must stabilize the concentration of carbon dioxide pollution in the earth's atmosphere at 450 parts per million in order to avoid the catastrophic effects of global warming.
To reach this target, America needs to cut its CO2 pollution by 80% by 2050, which is a 2% reduction per year if we start NOW.
But enacting changes can take years, and we may not have a system in place until 2010 or later. The longer we delay, the deeper we have to cut to hit our 80% reduction target by 2050.
Take action! Ask your Legislators, "What are you waiting for?"
Dear [Decision Maker],
Global warming is the most serious environmental threat facing the planet today. Yet, with just weeks left in the legislative calendar this year, Congress has not yet scheduled a vote to cap and reduce America's global warming pollution.
Even as Congress continues to work towards final passage of energy legislation containing a "down payment" on global warming, Congress must also move forward with legislation to cut emissions of global warming pollutants.
As a concerned citizen, I urge you to do everything in your power to get a bill to the floor in both the Senate and the House this year that meets these four criteria:
- Set a hard cap on global warming pollution and a concrete timetable for reduction;
- Ensure all forms of global warming pollution are covered;
- Set new standards for environmentally sound ethanol and other biofuels; and
- Foster real market competition for next generation energy sources
With only weeks left in the legislative calendar, there is no time to lose. You may not have time to pass a law this year, but you must do more to mark up legislation and prepare for floor action.
[Your Comment]
We must get global warming policy right and we must do it now.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
