BURLINGTON,Vermont (Press Release) – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a member of the Senate environment and energy committees, said today’s (April 22’s) observation of Earth Day is a reminder that dramatic action is needed to curb the carbon and methane emissions responsible for the planetary crisis of global warming.
Sanders cited a warning this month by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, made up of the world’s leading climate scientists, which reported that emissions of greenhouse gases have gone up nearly twice as fast so far in the 21st century as they did in the last decades of the 20th century.
The UN panel did not recommend specific actions, but it mentioned potential solutions. One approach is to put a price on carbon pollution. Sanders is the chief sponsor of legislation introduced in the Senate to put a fee on carbon and methane emissions. The bill is cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Their measure would help create millions of jobs in a transformation of our energy system away from fossil fuel and into energy efficiency and such sustainably energies as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. Sanders also has proposed a bill to end subsidies for oil and gas companies. Both bills have faced fierce opposition by Republicans in Congress who reject the scientific conclusion that climate change is occurring and that is man-made.
“Unless we take bold action to reverse climate change, our children and grandchildren are going to look back on this period in history and ask a very simple question: ‘Where were they? Why didn’t the United States of America lead the international community in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and preventing the devastating damage that the scientific community was sure would come?’”
*
Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-Maryland) issued this statement:
“As we celebrate Earth Week, more than four decades after the first Earth Day in 1970, one of the most important lessons we can pass along to our children and grandchildren is that as global citizens we must work to protect and improve the livability and environmental health of our planet. Actions we take every day impact our environment, but moreover our inaction and inattention to the environment in the face of clear and growing scientific evidence – can have serious effects as well.
“This is an urgent issue. From the dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay – an icon at the heart of Maryland’s economy and culture – to thick air in downtown Beijing, China, and places in between, climate change is the biggest global threat facing humanity. Deadlier storms, rising sea levels, crippling droughts and deadly wildfires are leaving American taxpayers with growing tabs for mounting costs of disaster recovery. The cost of preparation is far less.
“As a Nation, we must demonstrate to the next generation that change is possible. We must act now to reduce our carbon footprint. We can reduce pollution, and in doing so we can help our environment and grow our economy by continuing the American tradition of technological innovation. American ingenuity, world class research and technology development institutions like the University of Maryland, coupled with the best workforce in the world, uniquely positions the United States to be the global leader in clean energy technology development and improved energy efficiency, as well as green chemistry, and modern multi-modal transportation networks.
“The notion that we must choose between economic growth and environmental protection is a fallacy. The pathway toward greater economic prosperity and growth is through the development and production of innovative and environmentally friendly production and manufacturing and building sustainable and livable communities.
“Science tells us climate change is real and it is among the biggest global threats facing us today. It is an environmental issue but also a health issue, economic issue and a national security issue. The good news is that we can do something to tackle each of these challenges at the same time.
“Seventy percent of Marylanders live in coastal zones. We see the scientific impact of climate change on Smith Island and the Inner Harbor, in the fields of Western Maryland and the edges of Ocean City. But in Maryland, strong clean energy rules have had an impact for the better. We saw it in the lesser damage incurred during Hurricane Sandy and we’ve seen it in job creation and economic growth. Investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and infrastructure resiliency will result in cleaner, healthier communities, it will create jobs and it will bolster our economy regionally and nationally.
“Clean air and clean water are good for our country. On this Earth Day, let’s commit to taking the reasonable steps needed to preserve our planet and our way of life.”
*
Preceding provided by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Benjamin Cardin