Jumat, 20 Maret 2015
stevens stand
Where does U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (the Hulk) stand on climate change?As a good journalist, I should probably just ask him, but for now its fun to read the dozens of press releases coming in and try to figure it out. I realize now its something like the old Saturday Night Live skits with Pat -- is it a man or a woman?
Stevens clearly acknowledges climate change and its various threats.
Heres from a written copy of his speech to the state legislature in March.
From Newtok to Shishmaref, Alaskans have felt the impact of global climate change. Many Alaskans living along our coasts, especially those on the West Coast or Arctic Ocean, are already forced to protect their lands from erosion and may have to relocate their homes and communities.And heres from May 10, in Washington.
What many don’t realize is that the oceans may change as well, and if the predictions are accurate, these changes could have economic consequences. Warm ocean temperatures are causing widespread coral bleaching in the Caribbean. In Alaska, some species are moving north. There is concern on how these changes will affect our fisheries…. We need to make sure the federal agencies have their resources in the right places to study ocean acidification and climate change.Stevens has also been pushing a number of initiatives that would reduce emissions. He sponsored a bill raising fuel economy standards for cars to 40 miles per gallon in 10 years, then worked out a compromise solution based on a Democratic bill with more relaxed standards. He co-sponsored legislation aimed at speeding the development of wind, solar, wave, geothermal, and biofuel technologies, and introduced legislation that would double the energy efficiency of conventional light bulbs within six years.
But if the senator has green motivations behind his green legislation, he doesnt mention them. Mostly he talks about reducing consumption of fuels, either because theyre expensive or because we often have to buy them from countries we dont like, rather than reducing emissions from fossil fuels.
Heres this rationale for the light bulb legislation.
Our bills will ensure we take advantage of new technologies to save energy, save consumers money on their electricity bills, and promote American ingenuity.And this for increasing fuel economy standards.
The September 11 terrorist attacks and the current struggles in the Middle East have brought into focus the need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.The same press release notes that energy efficiency legislation Stevens is co-sponsoring would reduce CO2 emissions by about 7 percent by 2025, but it doesnt mention climate change.
All of which leaves one wondering. Does Stevens believe humans are causing climate change?
Theres a hint that he does, from his talk to the Legislature.
Alaskans have already begun focusing on how to better utilize our resources to protect our environment. The Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks is at the forefront of developing technologies for Arctic climates.But then, why not just come out and say it?
Stevens Web site makes a stronger link and suggests his legislative efforts are motivated by concerns over climate change, but also, almost comically, continues the puzzle.
There is consensus that carbon dioxide emissions influence changes in climate. However, there is no agreement on how much of an influence these emissions carry.The picture is of Stevens feeding apples to a hippopotamus at the National Zoo.
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