Message from Senator Durbin

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <correspondence_reply@durbin.senate.gov>
Date: Feb 14, 2013 3:50 PM
Subject: Message from Senator Durbin
To: <aquarianm@gmail.com>
Cc:

February 14, 2013

 

 

 

Mr. Daniel Stafford

40 N Tower RD Apt 9n

Oak Brook, IL 60523-1120

 

Dear Mr. Stafford:

 

Thank you for contacting me about global warming. I appreciate hearing from you and share your concerns.

 

Global warming is one of the most significant environmental crises we face. Most scientists believe that increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will raise the earth's temperature by as much as three to ten degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.

 

If we continue down this path, we can expect some catastrophic changes in our climate such as rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and threats to public health from an expanded range of insect-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Unpredictable weather patterns could reduce agricultural productivity in Illinois and across the United States. The effects of these changes could devastate population centers.

 

I believe Congress needs to take action to address global warming. Science has shown that we can't afford to wait any longer. If we tackle the sources of carbon pollution and take steps to reduce the impacts of global warming, we can protect our environmental future while expanding our economy. However, if we choose to ignore global warming and its consequences, we are placing our planet and our future in grave danger and could face large-scale economic consequences that threaten our national security.

Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming has introduced legislation (S. 228) that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gases under the agency's 2009 endangerment finding. The endangerment finding, issued in response to the Supreme Court's 2007 ruling in the case of Massachusetts v. EPA, determined that the current and projected concentrations of six key types of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are a threat to the health and welfare of the public.

 

While I believe Congress needs to take action to address global warming, the EPA's ability to use its authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases will be an important tool in the absence of congressional action. This legislation would deny EPA the ability to take the necessary actions to prevent global warming and regulate the greenhouse gases that pose a threat to the public's health and welfare.

 

Other steps are also necessary. One of the most effective ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce our fuel consumption. Over the years, I have supported legislation that would mandate improved vehicle fuel efficiency and promote the development of more innovative energy technologies. Creating a greater role for renewable energy, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and limiting our greenhouse gas emissions are necessary components of a comprehensive national energy policy. As one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, the United States must act on this growing crisis.

 

I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to fight for the expanded use of renewable energy and effective measures to reduce global warming.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

 

RJD/ab