March 30, 2004

New York Reps. Boehlert, Houghton, Walsh Introduce Innovative Global Warming Bill
Bi-partisan, market-based measure sets sensible new emission standards, harnesses power of private sector to curb emissions and boost technology

ALBANY, NY (March 30, 2004) – New York Representatives Sherwood Boehlert, Amo Houghton, and James Walsh today joined more than a dozen Members of Congress to introduce first-of-its-kind House legislation to fight global warming. The bill would set a nationwide standard for heat-trapping pollution responsible for global warming, while creating a market-based system encouraging maximum technological innovation and profitable opportunities for companies to cut emissions.

Republican and Democratic House Members sponsoring the Climate Stewardship Act stood together in the Capitol today alongside Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT), who crafted a companion measure that came within seven votes of passing the Senate last October. Another Senate vote is expected soon.

“We’re proud to see our New Yorkers in Congress introduce this bill, a great step in solving global warming,” said Anne Reynolds, programs director with Environmental Advocates of New York, “particularly because New York is highly vulnerable to global warming.” She continued, “Governor Pataki has also demonstrated his concern about climate change, launching a regional effort to cap carbon pollution from Northeastern power plants. Clearly New York’s leaders know we can tackle this serious problem.”

The new measure saves money and encourages innovation through a flexible trading mechanism. Companies would be allowed to trade emission allowances under the mandatory economy-wide cap, allowing those companies that surpass their obligations to sell extra credits to other entities. Companies would be able to acquire some credits from a variety of sources in addition to other regulated entities to comply with the law. Because carbon dioxide is not a toxin and does not cause localized harm, emission trading is an acceptable mechanism to enhance flexibility while maintaining the environmental integrity of the program.

Scientists say global warming is caused mainly by excessive amounts of carbon dioxide emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. These emissions are building up in the atmosphere, trapping heat and threatening our health, our economy and the environment. Experts, including the National Academy of Sciences and many others, say today’s unprecedented warming trend simply cannot be explained by natural forces alone.

Reynolds stated, “Many of New York’s wildlife species are adapted to today’s relatively cool conditions, including two state symbols: the sugar maple and the brown trout.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported that changes in climate could virtually eliminate both these species from New York. Moreover, warmer temperatures and a longer summer will produce more unhealthy ozone-alert days, which particularly threaten the health of the elderly, children and those with asthma and other respiratory diseases.

“Political leaders from both parties are realizing the threat global warming poses to our health, our economy, and our environment. Now they’re taking reasonable measures to fight this problem,” said David G. Hawkins, Climate Center Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, “Congressman Boehlert and the other sponsors of this bill understand that American progress can defeat our most difficult challenges.”

Original cosponsors are Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Dianna DeGette (D-CO), Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN), Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), James Greenwood (R-PA), Amo Houghton (R-NY), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Zoe Lofrgren (D-CA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), John Olver (D-MA), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Rob Simmons (R-CT), Hilda Solis (D-CA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Henry.