Natural Resources Bulletin - June 16, 2009

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

(National Wildlife Federation)

Contents:
1. NOAA releases major report on US climate impacts
2. American Clean Energy and Security Act timeline and news
3. TAKE ACTION: Fax or email a letter to your Representative

1. White House releases major report on climate change
 

The White House and the U.S. Global Change Research Program have just released a long-awaited, comprehensive scientific assessment of climate change impacts in the United States.  It presents the first region-by-region analysis of our vulnerability to climate change since 2001 and represents the best available climate science in the United States.  The report outlines choices based on various global emissions scenarios including one that transitions the U.S. to a clean energy future versus business as usual reliance on fossil fuels.

 

Dr. Amanda Staudt, a climate scientist with the National Wildlife Federation, praised the report saying, "It's a clarion call for immediate action.  This report basically describes a state of emergency. It says we need to act quickly and decisively. Every state is going to be affected, and every sector of the economy."

 

Larry Schweiger, NWF's President and CEO, called for immediate action in the face of enormous threats.  "We must mobilize swiftly and decisively," said Schweiger in a statement.  "Failing to act will mean more severe impacts to public health and safety, and more people, especially children, the elderly and the poor will suffer.  Failing to act will put more of our natural resources and the public benefits they provide at risk.  Now is the time to set America on a new energy path that combines clean energy incentives and firm limits on carbon pollution that causes global warming.  There is no time for delay.” 

 
The White House/NOAA report represents a sea change in the federal government's approach to reporting climate science, and will help raise public awareness about the catastrophic impacts of unchecked climate change across the country.  If you are interested in writing a letter to the editor of your local paper, please contact Peter LaFontaine (lafontainep@nwf.org) for a template or suggested talking points about how to protect natural resources in your state. 
 
For more information, visit: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090616_climatereport.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061601740.html 
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2. ACES House timeline and news
 
The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) is still on track to reach the House floor for a vote before the July 4 Congressional recess.  Rep. Henry Waxman, one of the lead sponsors of the bill and the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, expects to reach a compromise with farm-state Democrats by tomorrow, which would clear the way for a quick passage to the floor.  When asked for odds, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said, "I think we'll get the votes on energy.  But you know how it is, you've got to work it and figure out who's on first, and what triggers this guy to say 'no' or triggers this guy to say 'yes.'"

A broad range of conservation, sporting and outdoor recreation groups are working to strengthen the bill and pass it.  According to Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, "Getting the bill out of the Energy and Commerce Committee was a significant achievement.  While this is not a perfect bill, it represents a very bold step forward for rapidly combating global warming.  In addition to the limits on carbon pollution, the bill contains a variety of other important provisions that will further accelerate carbon reductions, propel more clean energy investments, help wildlife survive a warming world, and create many new jobs."
 
For more information, visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/16/16climatewire-rep-waxman-gives-himself-another-day-to-fini-56404.html
http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1633&catid=155&Itemid=55
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3. Fax or Email a Letter to your Member of Congress
 
With ACES moving quickly, it's VERY important that you weigh in with your Member of Congress to support natural resource funding.  Please see attached letter, fill in your state specific information, and fax or email in to you Member's office.  (Fax? Really?  Yep - House offices still all have fax machines, and since they get so many emails, faxing a letter often stands out more.) 
 
At this point, the most important Members of Congress are the moderates, both Democrats and Republicans.  You can find your Member of Congress' contact information at www.house.gov, or by contacting Peter LaFontaine at lafontainep@nwf.org.