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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement today to honor the 39th annual Earth Day. The New Jersey congressman, who will be working to pass comprehensive energy legislation this year, believes the issue of global warming is at a critical juncture and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
"On Earth Day we call on everyone to do a little something for the planet. It could be as simple as picking up litter or more long-term like planting a tree. Earth Day is meant to inspire the awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment. As we mark the 39th Anniversary of Earth Day, we are confronted by a global climate crisis that must be addressed immediately.
"In New Jersey, rising sea levels and increased hurricane activity have had, and will continue to have, a devastating effect on the state's coast and coastal habitats. A 2005 report by Princeton University found that global warming could cause the sea level off New Jersey's coast to rise nearly four feet by the end of the century. Such a rise would leave three percent of the state under water and reduce our shoreline by almost 500 feet, washing away natural habitats and wetlands along the shore.
"In the coming weeks, I will join my colleagues in the Energy and Commerce Committee to begin the process of passing one of the most significant pieces of legislation to tackle global warming in our nation's history. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence and cut global warming pollution.
"This year Congress will move the country in a new direction, creating green jobs and building a clean energy economy."
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