Representative
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Protect our national and environmental security by supporting the Climate Stewardship Act

Dear Representative ,

I was disturbed by the findings of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report. This comprehensive study by nearly 300 independent scientists clearly demonstrates that global warming is changing our planet and that these changes--such as sea-level rise--will affect all of us. The time for debate is over; it is time to reduce our emissions of the heat-trapping gases contributing to global warming. The Bush Administration touts "pre-emptive action" when it comes to taking steps against other nations that we perceive might pose a threat to our security, but has refused so far to take pre-emptive action to mitigate global warming, which is definitely a serious threat to our national and environmental security!

In the absence of federal action, U.S. emissions have risen 12 percent since 1990. Global warming poses a serious threat to our economy and way of life. It is time for Congress to act. I very strongly urge you to co-sponsor and actively support the Climate Stewardship Act (CSA), which was introduced in Congress by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), and Representatives Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) and John Olver (D-MA). The CSA takes a modest first step toward limiting carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases from major industrial sources.

The CSA's market-based approach offers a flexible, affordable way to curb the costly environmental, public health, and economic impacts of global warming by setting mandatory limits on emissions from relevant sectors of the economy and encouraging an increase in energy efficiency and renewable electricity generation. By encouraging investment in clean energy solutions, the bill would also ensure that American technology remains competitive as other countries move to reduce their own emissions.

Please plan responsibly for our children and grandchildren's future by supporting the Climate Stewardship Act and doing everything you can to ensure its passage and enactment into law. I will join many of your constituents in closely following your actions on this vital issue.