For immediate release:
January 28, 2009
Contact: Winston Vaughan (617) 747-4447
Economic Recovery Package Poised to Be First Step for Congress on Global Warming
As Gore Testifies Before Senate Committee, Congress Considers Bill to Invest in Clean Energy
Washington, DC – Former Vice President Al Gore warned Congress in testimony today before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the United States must lead the world in the fight against global warming. Congress has the opportunity to take the first steps this week by passing an economic recovery package that makes the kind of bold investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and public transit America will need to solve global warming, according to Environment America.
“Clean energy sources like wind and solar power can reduce global warming pollution, while creating millions of new jobs at home and reducing our dependence on oil,” said Environment Massachusetts field organizer Winston Vaughan. “As Vice President Gore calls for leadership on global warming on the international stage, Congress has the opportunity to lead here at home today.”
Gore shares a Nobel Peace Prize for raising awareness about global warming with the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body comprised of the world’s premiere climate scientists. The latest report from the IPCC emphasized the need for the world to achieve quick and deep cuts in global warming pollution in order to stave off the worst effects of global warming.
“Congress has the opportunity to repower America and rebuild our economy by making clean energy, energy efficiency, and public transit a cornerstone of the economic recovery package,” said Vaughan. “Through the economic recovery bill the House is voting on today, we can make a down payment on solving global warming and ensure a cleaner, safer, and stronger America.”
In his inaugural address, President Obama called for action to reduce the “specter of a warming planet.” And, on Monday, President Obama signed two executive orders to reduce global warming pollution and improve the efficiency of cars, which are the second largest source of global warming pollution nationwide.
“After decades of inaction from the federal government, we have no time to lose in cutting global warming pollution to protect future generations. Our chance to solve global warming is now,” Vaughan concluded.
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Environment Massachusetts is state-based, citizen-funded environment group working for clean air, clean water, and open space. www.environmentmassachusetts.org
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