Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) called for Congress to act on proposals to curb greenhouse gas emissions after a major new report warned that global warming could exceed 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the United States by the end of this century.
"This important report is another loud and clear warning that greenhouse gases are rising faster than ever and our refusal to recognize and deal with the crisis could have catastrophic consequences," said Sanders, a member of the Senate energy and environment committees.
"It is no longer acceptable for a majority in Congress to ignore the overwhelming scientific evidence. It is no longer acceptable that coal and oil companies spend millions of dollars to defeat efforts to protect the planet," Sanders added.
The National Climate Assessment report by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was adopted today during a meeting at the White House. The report said it is still possible to save the planet, but much more must be done much sooner to curb the carbon and methane emissions that cause climate change.
Sanders has proposed a bill to put a fee on carbon and methane emissions. The measure is co-sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California), chair 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 sustainable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.
Another Sanders bill would end tax breaks and subsidies for oil and coal companies. A companion measure in the House is sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota).
Both ideas are backed by scientists and leading economists but have been blocked by Republicans in Congress who reject the overwhelming conclusion that climate change is occurring and that it is manmade.
To read the National Climate Assessment report, go to
http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/our-changing-climate.
To read more about the Sanders-Boxer legislation, go to
www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/021413-2pager.pdf.
To read more about the Sanders-Ellison legislation, go to
www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-to-end-fossil-fuel-tax-breaks-introduced-by-sen-sanders-rep-ellison.
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