|
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today released the following statement in support of Governor Richard Codey's (D-NJ) announcement that New Jersey will formally participate in the Northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative:
"I would like to commend Governor Codey for making the state of New Jersey a leader in dealing with the major climate change problems that face us today. This is a critical step, one the state unfortunately has to take in the face of inaction by the Bush administration.
"Climate change and global warming pose serious threats to our state. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a rise in sea level -- caused by climate change -- of only one to three feet over the next 100 years could cost between $100 and $500 million in beach replenishment and seawall construction. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that a one-foot rise in sea level could increase flood insurance premiums 35-60 percent.
"Moreover, warmer temperatures caused by global warming could increase ground-level ozone, causing respiratory problems for the most vulnerable New Jerseyans.
"The Northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will take serious steps towards avoiding these problems, but it will take national leadership and national action to make a real difference. That's why I was extremely disappointed to see that the Bush administration walked out of international climate change negotiations in Montreal.
"Rather than dealing with climate change now and taking real leadership, the Bush administration is doing the bidding of corporate polluters. Climate change is not going away, however, and every day the administration refuses to act puts more of a burden on future generations, who will have to deal with the consequences.
"It's time for the administration to open their eyes and deal seriously with climate change." |
