Climate Capsule Week of March 16

Highlight of the Week

Obama Comes Out Strong For Carbon Cap At Business Roundtable Meeting

President Obama offered extensive remarks on global warming policy and supported a cap on carbon at a recent Business Roundtable meeting. The president warned the chief executives from some of the world's biggest companies of the costs of inaction.

The president told the attendees that the United States will not be able to move on energy and climate action in an effective way without partnership with the business community. 

President Obama, with Education Secretary Arne Duncan and White House energy and climate adviser Carol Browner seated at his side, spoke of the benefits of a market-based program.

"We want to create a price structure. Keep in mind that the reason that I'm interested in a cap-and-trade approach is precisely because I think the market makes decisions about these technologies better than we do."

Zogby: 58% Support Obama's Push for Climate Change Action

Nearly three in five likely voters—58 percent—support President Barack Obama’s push for action on climate change outlined in his address to Congress, according to a new Zogby Interactive poll.

Of respondents, 42 percent strongly agree with the president’s call for legislation that would place a market-based cap on carbon pollution and increase the nation’s renewable energy production.

The survey presented respondents with a quote from the president’s address to a joint session of Congress, where he said to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy.

The president then called on Congress to send him a bill that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America.

The vast majority of Democrats (91 percent) and liberal voters (96 percent) express support for Obama’s push for climate change legislation, joined by 73 percent of moderates and 55 percent of self-described political independents who also agree with Obama’s call.

Support for Obama’s call for legislation on climate change receives strong support among the youngest voters—68 percent of 18-24 year-olds support an increased focus on renewable energy and a cap on carbon.

Contact: Miles Grant, 703-864-9599 (cell) or grantm@nwf.org.

Crist Accepts NWF Award, Asks GOP To Step Up On Clean Energy

National Wildlife Federation President & CEO Larry Schweiger presented Gov. Charlie Crist last week with NWF's Conservation Achievement Award for Government. Gov. Crist has helped position Florida as a leader in addressing climate change and protecting the environment.

“We must take action in our lifetime to protect Florida’s treasures—from the Everglades and the white-sand beaches to the crystal clear springs—so that future generations can experience the Florida we love,” said Governor Crist. “I am honored to be an advocate for Florida’s environment, and I am committed to continuing the work we have done over the past two years to keep the Sunshine State beautiful.”

Schweiger presented Governor Crist with the award during a March 10 luncheon. The award recognizes Governor Crist for his leadership in environmental conservation, including his role in encouraging the South Florida Water Management District’s recent approval of the historic land purchase deal, in which the district will buy 180,000 acres of land to clean, store and move water going into Everglades National Park. NWF leaders also lauded Governor Crist’s commitment to reducing Florida’s greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency.

“With political courage and unmatched resolve, Governor Crist has single-handedly positioned Florida as a leader in the fight against global warming,” said Schweiger. “It is an honor to recognize him with NWF’s Conservation Achievement Award for Government.”

Quote:

"I wouldn't be here if I weren't pretty optimistic...But the science is overwhelming. This is a real problem. It will have severe economic consequences, as well as political and national security and environmental consequences...And I'm confident that if we do it smart...we can handle this problem."

—President Obama spoke at a Business Roundtable meeting, making the case for energy and climate action as a priority.

Economic Message of the Week

America Must Support Efforts to Repower the Auto Industry

National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Larry Schweiger joined General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner today to urge support for GM as it develops a new line of electric cars with next-generation batteries.

“GM’s efforts address the three inter-related problems facing America—our economic, energy and climate crises. Those problems can be solved by three inter-related solutions—clean energy investment, a smart grid, and next-generation batteries. That’s why GM’s plan is so vital. We can’t get to large-scale renewable energy without large-scale battery storage," Larry Schweiger said today in Washington, D.C.

Next-generation vehicles will get us green jobs across the United States. Those that are being developed by GM are a part of the bold solutions we need to protect jobs and create new ones while we transition away from the dirty fossil fuels that cause global warming.

“GM’s proposed electrification of its vehicles is a transformational change, not only for GM and other auto companies, auto workers, suppliers and the manufacturing sector, but for everyone in this country who uses electricity in any way," Schweiger said.

“We need a cap on carbon pollution and we need to support companies like GM who can help advance the clean energy economy.”

Contact: Christine Dorsey at 202-797-6615 or Dorsey@nwf.org.

EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed the first national system for reporting emissions of greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said that efforts to confront global warming must be guided by the best possible information. This new reporting system will allow our leaders to compile comprehensive and accurate data about domestic emissions.

This system is a critical piece of the puzzle, but enacting comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year is necessary to ultimately give meaning to this new emissions reporting system. The first annual report will be expected in 2011, for the 2010 calendar year.

The new reporting requirements would apply to suppliers of fossil fuel and industrial chemicals, manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines, and large direct emitters with emissions equal to or greater than 25,000 metric tons per year. This threshold is roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from about 4,500 passenger vehicles.

The vast majority of small businesses would not be required to report their emissions because their emissions fall below this threshold.

Lauding the EPA’s proposed greenhouse gas reporting rule, the investment coalition Ceres renewed its call on the Securities and Exchange Commission to require publicly-traded companies to fully disclose their financial risks and opportunities from climate change.

Ceres is a coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address global climate change.

Happening This Week

Tuesday, March 17: Senate Committee Hearing on Energy Development on Public Lands, 10 a.m., 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building

House Appropriations Committee Hearing on Climate Change Science, 10 a.m., H-309 in the Capitol Building

Wednesday, March 18: Members of Congress and Sportsmen Join Together to Protect Climate Through Public Lands Bill, 9 a.m: 1540 Longworth House Office Building. Rep. Nick Rahall and Rep. Shelley Captio (WV) included among those invited.

House Energy & Commerce Committee Hearing on Climate Policy & Competitiveness, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

House Appropriations Committee Hearing on Climate Change Datasets, 2 p.m., H-309 in the Capitol Building