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Colorado
is taking steps to address global warming at the state level. Global warming threatens the state’s water supply, as well as tourism.
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Environment Colorado launched a new effort in the Colorado Legislature to address global warming at the state level.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon, the Global Warming Reduction Act would establish the Colorado Commission on Global Climate Change.
The commission’s job will be to study issues related to global warming and establish a state goal for the reduction of global warming pollution.
“State level action on global warming has become increasingly important in the face of inaction at the federal level,” said Will Coyne, Environment Colorado’s environmental advocate. “Unfortunately, the Bush administration, with support from the polluting fossil fuel industry, refuses to take action to curb global warming.”
The president did not sign the Kyoto Protocol,
which was supported by 84 countries that committed to reducing global warming pollution.
The Bush administration’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides billions in subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.
If Environment Colorado’s advocacy efforts result in the formation of the commission,
Colorado would join states across the country in taking state level action to address global warming.
For example, a bipartisan coalition of eight Northeastern states—four with Republican governors and four with Democratic ones—formed a consortium that will implement
a regional plan to control greenhouse gas emissions. The states involved see environmental,
health and economic benefits in taking action.
Washington, Oregon and California are considering
developing similar plans.
“Failed leadership at the federal level on global warming is forcing the states to take action,” said Coyne. “The consequences of inaction are too great. Colorado cannot afford
to wait for President Bush and Congress to address global warming.” |
