House Priorities for Global Warming Legislation: 9/18/08

Action: Urge your Representative to Sign the Global Warming Principles “Dear Colleague” Letter.

BACKGROUND

Climate change is one of the most serious threats to the global environment, health and economy.

Recent scientific studies show global warming is already causing environmental changes that will have significant economic and social impacts. Jewish tradition teaches that Adam and Eve were asked to “till and to tend” the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 2:15). We believe humans remain a partner in Creation. To fulfill this mandate, we must take responsibility for responding to climate change. While the U.S. Senate has introduced legislation that would establish the basic framework for curtailing the pollution that is causing climate change, the House of Representatives has fallen behind. Yesterday, Chairman Henry A. Waxman, Chairman Ed Markey and Rep. Jay Inslee, three Congressional leaders on climate and energy issues, took an important first step toward leveling the playing field by introducing “Principles for Global Warming Legislation.” The Jewish community supports these principles and believes they provide a sound foundation for federal climate change legislation.

Representatives Waxman, Markey, and Inslee are asking their colleagues to join them in supporting these principles by signing this “Dear Colleague” letter. The principles highlight four central features of effective legislation:

1. Reduce emissions to avoid dangerous global warming;

2. Transition America to a clean energy economy;

3. Recognize and minimize any economic impacts from global warming legislation; and

4. Aid communities and ecosystems vulnerable to harm from global warming

ACTION

Encourage your Representative to sign the Global Warming Principles letter being circulated.

Click here to view a copy of the “Dear Colleague” letter.

The Capitol Switchboard can be reached at 202.224.3121. Click here for contact information for your Representative.

List of Signatories

FINAL House Principles for Global Warming Legislation Signatories