-Petaluma Congresswoman calls global warming “one of the gravest threats that our world has ever faced”-

Washington, DC - One of the leading environmentalists in Congress, Representative Lynn Woolsey today marked Sunday’s anniversary of Earth Day by urging her colleagues in Washington to confront the growing threat of global warming, and by asking all Americans to incorporate environmental responsibility in their daily lives:

“Here in Washington I am working with my colleagues to confront one of the gravest threats that our world has ever faced - global warming.  The science is clear, and irrefutable - if we continue to pollute our planet at the rate that we’re going we will face irreversible damage to our environment that will threaten our very civilization.  That’s why I have introduced the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act, which would ensure that 20% of our domestic energy comes from non-hydropower renewable energy sources by 2020.  Developing alternative forms of energy goes beyond protecting our environment; it’s also about developing new jobs, and freeing our foreign policy from the grips of our nation’s dependency on foreign oil.

“While warming is a global threat, preventing it is very much a local effort.  Our community has always taken great pride in the natural beauty that surrounds us, and we have a strong record of stewardship when it comes to protecting and caring for the environment.  We need to continue to set an example of protecting not only our local environment, but also the world around us.  Whether it’s carpooling to work, recycling in our homes, or buying local, organic produce for our families, there are small, every day steps, that we can take in our lives that collectively will make a significant difference.

“Global warming is a threat to all nations, and every person on this planet.  It will take all of our efforts, working collectively, to confront this problem, and we don’t have a minute to waste."