EarthWatch

A note from Senator Bill Nelson

Dear Mr. Bradley:

Thank you for writing me with your concerns about global warming. The United States needs an energy policy that alleviates high energy prices and reduces our dependency on foreign oil while not doing irreversible harm to our precious environment.

Global warming threatens Florida's fragile ecosystem and $54 billion tourism industry. Rising sea levels will encroach on Florida's pristine beaches, and harm coastal wetlands and the Everglades. Also, increased water temperatures will damage sensitive coral reefs and endanger Florida's diverse marine species. Global warming is being caused by the accumulation of man-made greenhouse gasses, and to reduce our use of greenhouse gasses, we must use more renewable energy in power production and transportation.

I am a cosponsor of both the Climate Stewardship Act and the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act. The Climate Stewardship Act would require a reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from power plants to year 2000 levels. This would be achieved through a cap-and-trade system, creating financial incentives for the development of clean-burning energy production. The Vehicle Fuel Choices for American Security Act would dramatically reduce our use of fossil fuels by increasing the availability of alternative transportation fuels, providing incentives for the purchase of hybrid and flexible fuel vehicles, and spurring development for next-generation fuels and hybrid cars.

I appreciate your informed policy suggestions regarding this important issue. When the time comes for me to make any decision regarding the emission of carbon dioxide into our environment, I will keep your views in mind. If you have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Bill@billnelson.senate.gov

posted by Moon Shadow @ 9:27 AM