We need more Mayors like Greg Nickels. And this is EXACTLY how progress is going to be made on this crisis, unless as Mayor Nickels warned against Congress thinks to step on the progress states have made by either doing nothing, or imposing their own limits to appear environmentally aware while at the same time still acquiescing to their corporate donors instead of bolstering states up that are taking evasiveand effective action NOW.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/305720_nickels02.htmlFriday, March 2, 2007
Nickels warns U.S. Senate to not rein in cities fighting global warming
By CHARLES POPE
P-I WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT
WASHINGTON -- Mayor Greg Nickels told a Senate committee Thursday that state and local governments are leading the fight against global warming, and he warned Congress against reining in local efforts that are under way across the nation.
"We are not just signing a piece of paper," Nickels told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "We are making tough choices. We are investing our taxpayers' money. We are transforming our cities into laboratories for climate protection. In short, we are making a difference, and laying the groundwork for strong federal policies and programs." Nickels, who testified along with New Jersey Gov. John Corzine, the Democratic leaders of the California Legislature and other mayors, said the federal government can help by providing money for research and broad guidelines for curbing pollution that causes climate change.
But Nickels and other local officials warned Congress against passing legislation that would undercut aggressive programs in Seattle, New Jersey, California and other areas. Nickels said Congress should pass a plan "that calls for a hard and declining cap on emissions and allows for carbon trading among entities." He also said that cities and states should be eligible for federal grants that underwrite innovative programs and research."We need the federal government to take on a leadership role now so that we move beyond the grass-roots innovation that is blossoming in every state in the country," he said.
Nickels' appearance came as Congress, after years of largely ignoring the issue, has been moving aggressively to draft legislation to reduce pollution that is believed to cause global warming. Thursday's hearing was designed to examine state and local programs that would contribute to federal legislation. States and cities, said the committee's chairwoman, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., "are leading the way for the rest of the nation. They understand what is at stake for our future, and they are sending us a signal that we should heed."
Twenty-nine states have already passed legislation limiting greenhouse gases, and on Monday the governors of Washington, California, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico announced a regional agreement on climate change.snip
Boxer has already held several hearings on the topic and promises more, including a session March 21 featuring former Vice President Al Gore, who won an Academy Award on Sunday for his documentary on global warming. The House is also moving to write legislation,
although no lawmaker can predict when a bill might pass or what form it might take. more at the link
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