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Sep/Oct 09 Wildlife Leader article: Hot off the Recess

(National Wildlife Federation)

Hot off the Recess

Congress will return from its August recess on September 7^th to a tightly packed agenda.  High on the list is the announcement that Senator Boxer (D-CA) plans on releasing her climate and energy bill to the Environment and Public Works committee on September 9^th.  This cap-and-trade legislation will likely include language from a circulated letter from Senators Baucus (D-MT) and Whitehouse (D-RI) emphasizing the need for natural resources funding levels similar to those in the American Clean Energy and Security Act that passed out of the House of Representatives in June.

While Senators and Representatives were home for their recess, National Wildlife Federation released a new report titled "More Extreme Heat Waves: Global Warming’s Wake-Up Call".  The report lists many of the cities and urban areas that face the threat of increased heat waves as our planet continues to warm.  In addition to a list of 30 the cities most vulnerable to heat waves, the report highlights the dangers posed to wildlife and habitats, and the impacts of heat waves on agricultural production.

The release of this report received coverage by USA Today, and a wide variety of local television, radio, and newspapers.  National Wildlife Federation organized press conferences in Cleveland, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and St. Petersburg.

Whether Senators represent states with large urban populations, or states with agricultural or natural resources, this report adds yet another reason why it is necessary to pass climate legislation this year.  Hopefully Senators will keep this in mind as the fight over the legislation heats up this fall.