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Week of June 2nd
CLIMATE CHANGE: We have only one planet and we must learn to treat it with respect so that our children and grandchildren will inherit a cleaner environment and more stable economy independent of foreign fuel sources. The Senate will begin consideration this week of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act. This landmark legislation could reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions across the United States by two-thirds by 2050 with a negligible impact on the U.S. economy. Through the auctioning of carbon credits, this bill is designed to pay for itself and its administration while providing nearly $1 trillion in deficit reduction.
The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act reasserts the United States' position as a responsible, international leader on global climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gases. It sets clear but realistic standards that are fair domestically and internationally by supporting both consumers and business and balances our national security, economy and the environment. This legislation moves us closer to energy independence by investing in public transit and alternative, renewable fuels. It makes an unprecedented commitment to the health and long-term viability of the Chesapeake Bay and America's coastline.
I am especially proud of the section I authored that will direct about $171 billion, over the life of the bill, to states and localities for public transit nationwide. About two-thirds of this money will go to support existing systems like Washington Metro, MARC and MTA, while about 30 percent will help develop new systems that will take more and more cars off our roads, cut dangerous emissions, ease congestion, and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources like OPEC.
UPCOMING MEDIA: If you live in or around the Eastern Shore, listen to my live interview Thursday morning with Bill Reddish at about 7:35am on WICO-1320AM (Delmarva Broadcasting). On Friday, I'll be live with Ron Smith on WBAL (AM 1090) at 5:00pm for your drive home. Both these interviews will be a chance to talk about the Climate Change bill and the news of the day.
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