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Conversation with Governor Richardson in NH
-- brucebc -- 07/05/2007
I just returned from the taping of a Conversation With Governor Bill Richardson at the studios of WMUR in Manchester, NH. In today's "Conversation," to be broadcast on WMUR (the ABC affiliate in New Hampshire) next Friday, Governor Richardson provided details on various global warming policies in answering a question about what he would do to make America energy independent? Included in his answer were various specifics, such as increasing fuel efficiency to 50 MPG, greatly expanding the use of renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions by 90 percent and increasing conservation in general. In today's comments, Governor Richardson also added, at the end of his list, "capping emissions from coal power plants."
When I asked him about his comments on coal power plants after the taping, Governor Richardson explained that there should be no new coal plants except for "clean coal." He added: "Or if they capture and sequester 60% of their emissions." A moment later, while shaking another hand, he looked back at me and said: "Did you know that I stopped the construction of a coal plant in my state? I did, I stopped it. This is important."
Clinton Discusses Energy, Global Warming in Iowa
-- Steve -- 07/04/2007
Surrounded by bales of straw on a flat-bed trailer stage, Hillary Clinton was accompanied by her husband for their first political joint appearance in Iowa yesterday. Clinton's new campaign theme song, "You and I" by Celine Dion, was played in the background as the Clintons were escorted by Ruth Harkin, Senator Tom Harkin's wife to the elevated stage.
President Clinton gave a brief bio of Senator Clinton and kept his remarks brief and to the point of why he believes his wife is the best qualified candidate.. Senator Clinton outlined several policy areas that she believes need the next administrations immediate attention, including energy policy.
Senator Clinton's approach to energy independence is to establish a "strategic energy fund" for research for clean renewable energy. Resources that currently go to the oil industry as subsidies would be redirected to this fund, she said, and used to fund research for new clean renewable energy sources.
Senator Clinton also spoke about "green collar" jobs in her stump speech. When addressing global warming, she said that new technologies, research and production jobs that will go into clean renewable energy solutions. Millions of new "green collar" jobs will be created around the country, she said.
It was encouraging to hear Senator Clinton discuss global warming, green collar jobs and the strategic energy fund, and we look forward to hearing more about her energy policy in the future. At her next town meeting - and at every candidate's next town meeting - Iowans should continue to ask questions about how we will solve the global climate crisis.
Young Evangelicals Become Part of the Green Movement
-- Ellie -- 07/02/2007
There are an estimated sixty million evangelical Christians in the United States today. In past elections, they have proven to be a vital voting bloc, with some suggesting that the evangelical community provided the margin of victory for President George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. But is the evangelical community changing its outlook on climate change?
Before his death, Reverend Jerry Falwell voiced his concerns about the green movement, suggesting it was distracting evangelical Christians from the movement's core issues, like gay marriage and abortion. However, this placed him at odds with a growing chorus of relgious leaders, such as Richard Cizik, the vice president of the National Organization of Evangelicals, who has called for action to reverse the effects of global warming.
It appears that a significant shift may be taking place, at least with respect to the list of concerns within the evangelical community. Polls show increasing numbers of evangelicals think that global warming poses a threat to future generations. And younger evangelicals are concerned more with international human rights, health care, and climate change, than the "wedge issues" that interested older evangelicals. As we get closer to next year's elections, its encouraging to hear that young voters, whatever their party or religion, are concerned about global warming.
Investing in coal is not a solution to global warming
-- Anthony -- 07/02/2007
The Washington Post reported today that "the coal mining companies, which for years have been branded the bad guys of global warming, are fighting back."
The article discussed how members of the coal mining industry have branded carbon emission-reducing corporations like Caterpillar, General Electric and Johnson & Johnson as "un-American" for befriending environmental groups, which they view as "enemies of coal." Chief Executive Steven Leer of Arch Coal argues: "If we want to address climate concerns, we need to invest more heavily in coal-not less."
It is not surprising that the coal industry would want more investment in and attention directed towards the opportunities coal presents. However, scientific advancements and technological innovations have shown that we can solve global warming - and achieve energy independence - by moving away from fossil fuels such as coal and instead promote clean, alternative energy sources.
The continued investment in renewable energy technologies will further challenge American creativity and ingenuity to produce the most efficient energy technology, which will create millions of new jobs as well as improve the international economy and the global environment.
The branding of American corporations taking global warming seriously as "un-American" underscores the need to raise the debate on global warming and make it a priority issue in the 2008 presidential nomination process.
Pump up Washington
-- Mark -- 06/30/2007
Earlier this week in London, Arnold Schwarzenegger met with Tony Blair on his last full day in office. Blair acknowledged Governor Schwarzenegger for his efforts against climate change, as well as his influence on President Bush. In return, Schwarzenegger praised the Prime Minister for his efforts by pointing out that you can protect the planet and the economy.
This time last year, Blair traveled to California so that the U.K. and California could form a transatlantic partnership to address global warming in order - looking at ways to limit greenhouse gas emissions and use cleaner-burning fuels. Last year, Blair recognized Schwarzenegger for signing legislation that imposed the U.S.'s first statewide cap on greenhouse gases. Blair said California's effort to fight global warming has helped stir Bush in the right direction during the G8 summit in Germany.
"The fact that the state of California was making such a determined effort and setting out a new direction on climate change . . . I think this played enormous part," Blair said. "Surely this exposed the President of the country to what its people were saying."
Schwarzenegger stated that by experimenting with a greenhouse gas cap, a state like California can show the U.S. federal government that it can succeed without damaging the economy. The recent success of California's battle against climate change will hopefully influence all of the presidential candidates in the upcoming debates, including the Democratic Debate held in Charleston, S.C., later this month.
NH continues to show leadership in developing renewable energy
-- brucebc -- 06/29/2007
Yesterday, New Hampshire's Site Evaluation Committee gave the final okay for the first real commercial-scale wind farm in the state. The New Hampshire Union Leader reports that by 2008, the wind farm, to be located in Lempster, will be able to generate enough power for more than 10,000 homes. Looked at in the context of yesterday's news that GT Solar would be doubling their production capacity of solar technologies, this spring's news that 164 towns passed resolutions seeking national leadership on climate change and renewable energy technologies and the fact that New Hampshire passed a renewable energy bill requiring 25% renewables by 2025 (that the State Senate passed UNANIMOUSLY), it is very clear that global warming and renewable energy are top issues here. With more than 20 other states passing renewable energy bills of various kinds, the expansion of renewables across the nation and polling showing that climate change is broadly seen as the most critical environmental issue we face, it's clear that global warming is an issue that will not be ignored in the race for the White House.
Expansion of GT Solar in NH shows economic value of fighting global warming
-- brucebc -- 06/28/2007
Today's New Hampshire Union Leader reports on the planned expansion of GT Solar, a company based in Southern New Hampshire that is one of the world-leaders on the technologies for advanced solar panel construction. The expansion will more than double the production area of the company that was only started in 2002. This is another piece of evidence of the economic value of fighting global warming. With the expansion, GT Solar will be creating numerous new jobs ranging from administrative and clerical positions to very high-end engineering positions. According to the article, GT Solar has received all the necessary permits for the expansion, which should begin in the fall.
This is yet another piece of evidence about how important the issue of global warming is to New Hampshire citizens. Not only do the impacts of global warming affect us directly in New Hampshire, but we're in a position to reap some of the direct economic benefits of the fight to slow the problem. Candidates should pay attention to the great costs of the problem and the great benefits that can come from real action.
Global Warming Legislation Gains ‘Formidable Senate Supporter’
-- Mike -- 06/28/2007
Encouraging news out of the Senate yesterday. As CQ Today reported:
The campaign to curb global warming gained a formidable Senate supporter Wednesday, as Virginia Republican John W. Warner said he will help write legislation to mandate limits on greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the article, Warner, who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works panel with jurisdiction over global warming, will work Sen. Joe Lieberman, the committee chairman, to draft a bill to cap emissions and allow polluters to trade credits.
It remains to be see what their legislation will entail, but it is undoubtedly a positive development.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy DVD
-- DuBose -- 06/27/2007
In an effort to connect the local and global aspects of climate change, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) today released a three-part documentary series, "Treasured Places in Peril: Global Warming Impacts on the Southeast." Each segment explores the specific challenges of global warming on three Southern states: South Carolina, Florida, and North Carolina.
In her comments before the unveiling of the film, Elizabeth Hagood, Director of Conservation Programs with the Coastal Conservation League (CCL), reminded attendees that the people of South Carolina "get" climate change. She referenced several polls conducted in the last two years that found that a vast majority of likely primary voters, no matter what their party, expect federal leadership to address climate change.
By connecting local points of interest with the impacts of climate change, this documentary helps concerned citizens see that we have a duty to address this issue in every sphere of our lives. As SACE Executive Director Steven Smith observed, this is a four-dimensional chessboard, with local, state, national, and international components. Right now, Conservation Voters of South Carolina Education Fund and the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund are working the federal board, partnering with conservation groups like CCL and SACE to ensure that visiting presidential candidates address climate change.
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy should be commended for producing a compelling and informative documentary. To watch it, please click here.
Rep. Tancredo visits NH, talks about global warming and energy
-- brucebc -- 06/26/2007
This past Saturday, Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo paid a short visit to New Hampshire where he held a town hall meeting and a house party. At the town hall meeting, he discussed a variety of issues including his stances on global warming and energy, emissions caps, and fuel efficiency standards. On global warming he said:
"Research is not conclusive on either side of the issue. Is it natural? Most evidence does not substantiate that it comes from human activity, but we do need to move away from petroleum based products for security reasons. We're giving billions of dollars to nations who are figuring out ways to kill us! I believe that nuclear energy is the answer, and we need to move quickly to reduce carbons in our atmosphere. Storage has been an ongoing problem, but new technology is working towards a solution."
For more detail on his visit and comments, click here or here to view video of his events, or check out this New Hampshire Union Leader article that ran on Sunday.
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