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Clinton said it
-- Andrew Snow -- 09/22/2008
Well, former President Bill Clinton just said it on the Late Show with Letterman - individuals can't solve global warming alone, we also have to have leadership from our government. Honestly, I'm not 'happy', as much as it's good to hear (I'm getting used to hearing nice things from companies that burn a lot of coal, too) because this is a situation that needs real action, and needs it now. Speaking the truth, even when you ARE power, doesn't get it done. We need help to make this happen. There are a lot of things going on right now - energy legislation in Congress, legal motions and advisory committees on the state level - please, help us make a better future happen by getting involved. You can do so by clicking a link on this site, or by sending an email to asnow@iowaglobalwarming.org.
Climate Change Advisory Council meets again
-- Andrew Snow -- 09/04/2008
Today's meeting of the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council marks the next-to-last time they will meet before they present their final recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. I've seen a number of the written comments our supporters submitted - they're very good, and in some cases strikingly knowledgeable and very specific about the various proposals. I attended the meeting this morning, and provided my own comments to the Council, asking that they choose bold recommendations for action. Here's the text from my comments:
First, I want to thank the members of this Council, as well as all of the subcommittee members, for doing what is a very difficult though hopefully not thankless job – creating and evaluating dozens of proposals on very detailed topics.
I’m not going to take a lot of time right now to discuss the specifics of the proposals, though I know some of the people we’ve asked to provide written comment have done so. I’m actually here to ask you to be bold, but realistic, and use your common sense when evaluating your final recommendations later this year. For example, though I haven’t seen full quantifications for implementing passenger rail to Chicago and across the state, common sense will tell you that it would reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled and greenhouse gases significantly, as well as provide immense additional benefits to the state. In contrast, common sense also tells me that a website and public education campaign about a different kind of tires is unlikely to provide the same benefits, regardless of what the quantifications may indicate.
What this Council represents to me is a tremendous opportunity, and I ask that you be prepared to act boldly. Half measures won’t solve our climate problem any more than they will reinvigorate our state economy or help replace our aging workforce. We’re not going to dig, drill or burn our way to positive solutions, and voluntary measures are not going to get us there either. As I’m sure you’re all painfully aware now, there are an almost dizzying array of new technologies available to us – and we must find ways to harness that innovation to secure the future of our families and our state.
This is an opportunity – but it is one with a small window for us to capitalize on. Other states have developed a clear vision of the future and are moving in the right direction. We must act in a bold, firm manner to establish and maintain Iowa’s position as the undisputed leaders in these fields of the future. It is only with a bold vision that we can hope to accomplish this task, and so I ask you – please, be bold and give the Governor and Legislature the strongest possible recommendations. Our state’s future, and our way of life, depends upon your common sense and strong leadership.
Thank you for your time.
Working through the floods
-- Drew -- 06/12/2008
I blog to you folks from the Iowa Global Warming Campaign’s downtown Des Moines office, where over the past few weeks we were almost forced to evacuate due to flooding. Many of you here in Iowa have probably been affected in some way by the flooding or the tornadoes. Although climate change cannot be directly linked to what has happened to our state, the severe weather of the last few weeks is in character with a world changed by global warming. Challenges like the ones before us can be solved if we have responsive and visionary political leadership.
That’s only one reason I am dismayed with the Senate filibuster of the Climate Security Act of 2008 this June. But even though some of our leaders failed to lead in this session of congress, next year a global warming bill will come back stronger, with more support in the senate. There are many ways to contact our leaders and demand climate change solutions.
I gave comment by telephone for the public comment period during the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council’s June 12 meeting. It is through careful engagement in the government process we are hoping to make the biggest difference on the Advisory Council’s recommendations. Public comment is important because by adding voices to the cause of global warming solutions, we hasten the day when those solutions are reality. I’d encourage you to check out the calendar for our upcoming events, or contact us to find ways to get more involved.
Drew Veysey
dveysey@iowaglobalwarming.org
In one week Global Warming Bill debated in US Senate
-- Drew -- 05/28/2008
Iowa Global Warming is constantly looking for oppurtunities to make decision-makers take positive steps in stopping global warming. Before the US Senate is the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (http://lieberman.senate.gov/documents/acsabill.pdf). It is exciting we have a bill that will be debated and probably voted on, but the goals just will not provide real climate security. We need a plan that reduces green house gas emissions 80% of 1990 levels by mid-century. We need a system that puts a price on emissions, and does not let corporations pollute for free (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap_and_trade).
In the next few weeks there will be ample oppurtunities to help stop global warming right here in Iowa. Come help Iowa Global Warming at the Exodus music festival in Iowa City on June 7th (http://www.exodusmusicfestival.com/exodus.htm). Get connected through our facebook group "Keep It Cool Iowa". Ask Iowa Senators Grassley (http://grassley.senate.gov/public/) and Harkin (http://harkin.senate.gov/) to pass a climate change bill that truly tackles the problem. Volunteer to gather petition signatures at your local farmers market or church event. Write a letter to the editor about the Lieberman-Warner bill before the senate, using the link on our webpage makes it easy.
Stay tuned for more updates, we have some exciting things in the works for our youtube channel and we always look for events where we could raise awareness. If you know of an event that needs a snowman speaking truth to power, send me a note at dveysey@iowaglobalwarming.org
Hot day for the IGW Snowman!
-- Andrew Snow -- 05/20/2008
From IGW organizer Drew Veysey:
Wow, something amazing is happening outside. I don't have much time to blog now, my 4th day working for Iowa Global Warming and I am already putting on a snowman costume for the big Barack Obama rally! After the HUGE rally Obama had in Oregon, we are expecting thousands to line up to see him declare a primary victory. The folks here at Iowa Global Warming are going to be signing people up for action alerts, getting more and more people organized to demand Iowa solutions to global warming. Every elected official needs to make global warming a priority, from the President all the way down to dog-catcher. It's imperative that Senator Obama remembers his pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050. If you have the time, come on down and see history being made tonight, May 20th, at 7:30 on Grand and Locust in Des Moines.
new solutions for spring
-- Andrew Snow -- 05/12/2008
Well, it's finally spring. No, really, I'm pretty sure spring is going to stay this time. So, now that you've got the option to get outside, what are you going to do? One good place to start is Bike to Work Week (http://www.bikeiowa.com), which is a weeklong series of events highlighting the benefits of riding a bike rather than driving your car. Simple solutions such as bike transportation help put us on a path to reducing global warming pollution - not to mention the path to better health and happier lives. I'll be biking into work this week, and I hope you'll join me in taking this small step.
While I'm talking about transportation, it's worth noting that Congressman Braley recently signed on as a cosponsor of the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill, which will expand passenger rail options around the country. While speaking at a press conference last week, Rep. Braley also endorsed new rail service between Chicago and Davenport to Iowa City. As I've mentioned before, the recent Amtrak study demonstated a strong demand for service between Chicago and Iowa - a transportation option that would reduce automotive pollution and congestion, as well as make it easier for people to travel - especially people who have difficulty driving or flying. Braley's support is encouraging, and adds another strong voice for real, practical global warming solutions. Please take a moment to call or email his office and thank him for his leadership, you can contact him here: http://braley.house.gov/Contact/
Earth Month Revisited
-- Andrew Snow -- 04/30/2008
Today is the last day of 'Earth Month' - you know, the month that has Earth Day. It's nice to see the expansion of the theme from day, to week, to month. Of course, it's up to each of us to make sure that the values of a sustainable world and brighter future are considered all year - but we've certainly got a good start. One thing I found truly encouraging this month: well over 300 Iowa Global Warming Campaign supporters attended at least one event statewide - and we've got more coming up, check our calendar to find an event near you.
Another thing I'm excited about is the Amtrak study released this month clearly demonstrating the feasibility and demand for rail service from Chicago to Iowa City through the Quad Cities. Governor Culver added his support for the plan: “Rail service has tremendous advantages in terms of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign sources of oil; slowing the growth of highway congestion and associated pollution; energy conservation; and lifestyle enhancement through improved mobility for persons who either cannot or simply do not want to drive or fly. That’s why passenger rail service has a bright future in America and why we are going to have to give it a higher priority in moving people to Iowa"
Des Moines Register article here: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/NEWS/80418007/1001/
Show your support (very easily!) here: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/iatrains
There are other signs of change, though some are coming more slowly than we might like (or need!) for them to happen. And even among discouraging news there can be a glimmer of hope. This year's legislative session was a disappointment to all observers: Culver introduced an energy plan that would have put us much farther down the road to a renewable and energy-efficient future - but didn't get anywhere near passing the legislature. But we did get some 'baby steps' on energy efficiency and 'green' building design; as well as a $25 million appropriation for the Power Fund. The IUB just approved another step forward for the Marshalltown coal plant; but included requirements for increased use of renewables and carbon sequestration. Good? No. Better? Somewhat. And the fight's not over yet.
So, with Earth Month over but a sustainable future still unrealized, we need to do more. Please, take the time to get involved - or be more involved. Write a letter to the editor of your paper, or your representative, come to an event, volunteer. If you aren't exactly sure how best to get involved, send me an email or give us a call at the office. It's our mission to help you make a difference.
Andrew
asnow@iowaglobalwarming.org
Every Day is Earth Day
-- Andrew Snow -- 04/15/2008
Earth Day is upon us once again, bringing renewed media focus to the 'green' movement and ensuring that the public hears the message of sustainability and eco-friendliness. Here in Iowa, the next week is full of events, giving average Iowans a chance to come out to have a good time, learn something, and go home feeling a little better about themselves and their world. The question, though, is whether or not people will change their habits and expect more from their leaders once the media spotlight dies down. Right now is a good time for environmentalism - public attention is as high as it's been in years, and many people are changing to live more sustainable lives. I believe we're seeing the start of true 'grassroots leadership', which is to say that the people are starting to lead, and the leaders are starting to follow.
Unfortunately, we don't seem to have reached the 'tipping point' quite yet, where the public is demanding better answers and leaders are providing them. This session of the Iowa Legislature has been a disappointment to many, as we have seen good proposals (including a worthy energy bill from Gov. Culver) killed before reaching the floor or watered down until they no longer matter. In short, we need more than a few days of media attention and public involvement. And that's where your help can make a difference: take a minute to write a letter to the editor (Earth Week is a great time to get published!), call your representative, share your feelings with friends and co-workers, and of course attend an Earth Day event. I'll be posting a list of events that the Iowa Global Warming Campaign will be participating in - don't forget to stop by our booth and say hi, we'd love to talk to you!
Green Jobs Growing
-- Kevin -- 02/27/2008
Last week, Governor Chet Culver and officials from Fort Madison and Siemens Power Generation, Inc. announced plans for the company to expand production of state-of-the-art wind turbine blades, creating 287 high-quality, green-collar careers, pending state assistance.
The story provides a great example of how global warming solutions can create jobs and economic development in Iowa.
According to the Govenor's press release, "the 287 green-collar careers are expected to be paid an average of $17.14 per hour. Siemens expects to produce a 75,000 s.f. expansion to their current 311,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, build a new 125,000 s.f. facility and construct a rail yard to expand production of wind turbine blades and meet the growing demand for wind energy in the U.S. The total cost of the project is expected to exceed $33 million. Siemens officials expect to complete construction on the new facilities by October 2008."
Clinton’s Energy Speech in Newton
-- Steve -- 11/08/2007
In an outbuilding at the new biodiesel plant in Newton, Iowa, with a few hundred people in attendance, Hillary Clinton announced her plan to lead the country to a new "green" energy economy.
"This is the biggest challenge we've faced in a generation" said Clinton, "a challenge to our economy, our security, our health and our planet. I believe America is ready to take action, ready to break the bonds of the old energy economy and ready to prove that the climate crisis is also one of the greatest economic opportunities in the history of our country. . . . It will be a new beginning for the 21st century."
Clinton first outlined why we need to change and face this challenge as an opportunity. Global climate change and the threat it poses will "unleash a wave of innovation, create millions of new jobs, enhance our security and lead the world to a revolution in how we produce and use energy. It will literally be a new beginning for the 21st Century."
Major pieces of her proposal include:
- Putting in place a cap and trade system, with a goal of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 80 percent. Under that system, greenhouse gases are capped and businesses that produce less than allowed can sell their credits to companies that produce more than allowed.
- Set a vehicle fuel efficiency standard of 55 miles per gallon by 2030, partially financed by the $20 billion in new bonds. Clinton estimated that by 2030, her plan would cut foreign oil imports by two-thirds compared with current projections.
- Pay for the retrofitting and modernizing of 20 million homes for low-income residents to cut electrical use. Overall electrical use would be reduced by 20 percent by 2020, and one-fourth of electricity would be produced by renewable sources by 2030. Those sources include, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.
- Setting a goal of producing 60 billion gallons of renewable fuel such as ethanol and soy diesel, immensely popular programs in farm states like Iowa that produce corn and soybeans.
- Double federal spending on basic energy research, set new efficiency standards for appliances and phase out the use of incandescent light bulbs.
- Begin a new program to make it easier for low- and middle-income families to buy energy efficient homes.
- Create a National Energy Council in the White House to coordinate federal efforts.
- Fund 10 "smart grid cities" to deploy plug-in hybrid vehicles on a large scale.
"It's the biggest challenge we've faced in a generation, a challenge to our economy, our health and our planet,'' said Clinton. "It's time for America to meet it. It is time to get back into the solutions business."
At the end of her address, Clinton took questions from the audience and one of the questions was by a Grinnell College student who was concerned about the long-term effects of green house gases. Clinton made note that most of the questions she gets around the country about global warming come from college, high school, and middle school students that express concern about their future and the future of the planet.
I hope the young people of our country continue to ask all the presidential candidates about this threat that hangs over our future.
