For Immediate Release

October 8, 2008

Contact: Lisa Swann

202 518-0044, Ext. 14

swann@earthday.net

 

Earth Day Network Welcomes Dingell-Boucher Climate Change Draft Bill

Washington, DC - Earth Day Network applauds a draft climate change bill by Reps. Rick Boucher (D-VA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, and John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the full Committee, that would create an economy-wide program to cap greenhouse gases and reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

The draft was released publicly following two years of work on climate change including 27 hearings and input from industry, environmentalists, non profit groups, and labor unions.

“This bill is an important first step, and we applaud Chairman Dingell and Chairman Boucher for their efforts. Climate change is the most critical environmental issue of our generation and if we don’t act soon it will be too late. We urge the Congress to quickly enact legislation that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help to fairly distribute the costs of emissions reductions,” said Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network President.

“While the draft legislation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, we believe that Congress can do more to meet what scientists tell us is necessary to stem already damaging climate impacts,” said Rogers. “We look forward to working with members of Congress to strengthen it.”

The draft includes also includes support for developing countries to use renewable energy and protect ecosystems in ways that can help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“It’s heartening to see that the draft legislation recognizes the need to provide assistance to developing countries already being hit hard by climate impacts. We cannot enact climate change reductions that will mean further economic hardship for the poor, who already bear the disproportionate impacts of climate-caused effects like stronger hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.

“As Chairman Dingell and Chairman Boucher have said, this bill puts us one step closer to a climate solution,” said Rogers. “We look forward to working with both members and the Congress on swift passage of climate change legislation.”

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network, www.earthday.net, seeks to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. It pursues these goals through education, politics, and consumer activism. Earth Day Network has a global reach with a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.