| Taking Action | |
Michelle R. Dear President Obama,
I am a seventeen year old High School student who is currently studying Leaders4Earth. As part my course requirements I am studying about Global Warming. After reading about the Earth’s atmosphere and watching the movie An Inconvenient Truth I am embarrassed by the American people of the United States who are not aware of Global Warming. From watching the movie it’s scary to think that the temperatures and sea level will rise during my lifetime and jeopardize my future. I am also afraid that our government and other governments will not do what is necessary to save the planet on which we live. I hope while you are President that you will do everything in your power to help the people of the United States become more aware of the current situation and encourage the people to act more responsibly. I also hope that more people recycle their trash and to preserve CO2 levels. I will try to do my part in helping prevent Global Warming by recycling, persevering electricity, and volunteering my time to help educate others. I plan to have a discussion in my youth group and with my family and friends and I hope I can make a small difference. I know that you are very busy but I hope you read my letter and try to help save our planet.
Sincerely,
The following letter was sent to Michelle from Mel Martinez: Dear Michelle: Thank you for contacting me regarding the climate change. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond to your concerns. On May 20, 2008, Senator Boxer (D-CA) introduced the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 (S. 3036). 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. The Senate considered S. 3036 on June 6, 2008. However, the legislation was pulled from the Senate agenda by Majority Leader Harry Reid because it did not receive enough votes to end debate, which is called cloture. 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. 3036 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. Sincerely, |
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