KG4JYD
06-27-2008, 06:37 AM
Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:
Dear Mr. Collins:
Thank you for contacting me regarding America's Climate Security Act. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond to your concerns.
On October 18, 2007, Senator Lieberman introduced America's Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191). This bill would create an absolute cap on total emissions from all covered entities including the electric power, transportation, industry, and commercial sectors with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases. This cap would be lowered over time through 2050, and a market would be created to sell and trade emission allowances. On December 5, 2007, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works reported out a revised version of S. 2191, and further action is expected on the legislation in the 110th Congress.
I believe that the threat of climate change is real, and I am working with my colleagues in the Senate to regulate and reduce greenhouse emissions. As we consider climate change legislation, we need to ensure that the laws we pass will in fact reduce carbon emissions and lessen the threat of catastrophic climate change. Additionally, we need to consider and attempt to mitigate any negative effects the new laws would have on our economy, energy prices, and Americans living on fixed incomes.
The United States cannot solve this problem alone, and similar efforts in China and India are critical to combating this threat. However, our country can provide needed leadership and technological innovation for the international community, and, as one of the world's largest energy consumers, it is time for the United States to accept this responsibility. The choices we make now in dealing with climate change may be some of the most significant environmental and economic decisions of our generation. I assure you that I am committed to passing legislation to counter the threat posed by global climate change, and I will keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers S. 2191 or similar legislation.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov (http://martinez.senate.gov/).
Sincerely,
Mel Martinez
United States Senator
Dear Mr. Collins:
Thank you for contacting me regarding America's Climate Security Act. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond to your concerns.
On October 18, 2007, Senator Lieberman introduced America's Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191). This bill would create an absolute cap on total emissions from all covered entities including the electric power, transportation, industry, and commercial sectors with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases. This cap would be lowered over time through 2050, and a market would be created to sell and trade emission allowances. On December 5, 2007, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works reported out a revised version of S. 2191, and further action is expected on the legislation in the 110th Congress.
I believe that the threat of climate change is real, and I am working with my colleagues in the Senate to regulate and reduce greenhouse emissions. As we consider climate change legislation, we need to ensure that the laws we pass will in fact reduce carbon emissions and lessen the threat of catastrophic climate change. Additionally, we need to consider and attempt to mitigate any negative effects the new laws would have on our economy, energy prices, and Americans living on fixed incomes.
The United States cannot solve this problem alone, and similar efforts in China and India are critical to combating this threat. However, our country can provide needed leadership and technological innovation for the international community, and, as one of the world's largest energy consumers, it is time for the United States to accept this responsibility. The choices we make now in dealing with climate change may be some of the most significant environmental and economic decisions of our generation. I assure you that I am committed to passing legislation to counter the threat posed by global climate change, and I will keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers S. 2191 or similar legislation.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov (http://martinez.senate.gov/).
Sincerely,
Mel Martinez
United States Senator