Global Warming
A February 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report concluded that warming of the climate system is unequivocal. It also states that most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in greenhouse gas concentrations. Continued uncontrolled emissions of greenhouse gases will threaten local and regional food supplies, intensify precipitation cycles causing more floods and droughts, reduce the biological diversity of our planet and increase sea levels.
As your representative in Congress, I have continuously supported legislative efforts to address this crisis. In the 110th, I have cosponsored H.R. 620, the Climate Stewardship Act of 2007. This bill would accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of tradable greenhouse gas allowances that would limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances. I agree that economic vitality does not have to be sacrificed to achieve environmental conservation. The two are not incompatible, but we must work to be more creative in our approaches and incentives.
I also believe that the goals of international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol are extremely important. The United States and other countries should take all necessary steps to protect the earth's climate and to take a leadership role in negotiating international climate change agreements. As the world's largest producer of "greenhouse gases" such as nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide, our nation must be actively involved in preventing further climatic change. Unfortunately, the Bush administration has failed to take this leadership role, jeopardizing efforts to negotiate solutions to the crisis. Please be assured that I will continue to urge the President and my colleagues in Congress to support efforts to mitigate global warming.