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PORTLAND:
729 N.E. Oregon Street
Suite 115
Portland, OR 97232
t: (503) 231-2300
f: (503) 230-5413
WASHINGTON D.C.:
2267 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
t: (202) 225-4811
f: (202) 225-8941
Energy and Global Warming |
One of Congressman Blumenauer’s top priorities is fighting global warming, which is one of the greatest challenges of our generation. The impacts of a changing climate are far-reaching; a threat not only to our natural ecosystems but to national security as well. In the Pacific Northwest, global warming will have the most significant impacts on our water cycle, which could mean major changes for agriculture, land use, growth and development, and a host of other issues. As the second ranking Democrat on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and a member of the House Climate Change Caucus, Congressman Blumenauer supports efforts to combat global warming that involve all sectors of our economy, from energy production and use to transportation and the built environment. He supports legislation that would reduce emissions to avoid dangerous climate change, transition America to a clean energy economy, recognize and minimize any economic impacts from global warming legislation, and assist communities and ecosystems vulnerable to harm from climate change. Congressman Blumenauer has recently joined a number of his colleagues in the House calling for a series of principles to guide Congress as it produces comprehensive global warming legislation. Congressman Blumenauer has also announced plans for the Climate Safe Communities Act, legislation which would help American communities respond to the challenge posed by global warming. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Transportation and Urban DevelopmentThe Federal Government Leading By Example Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Congressman Blumenauer is working to ensure that consumers in Oregon and around the country have a dependable supply of energy that is clean and renewable. He strongly supports a renewable electricity standard, requiring that utilities generate at least 20% of their energy from renewable resources, at both the state and federal levels. Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Congressman Blumenauer strongly supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, which is the level that scientists say is necessary to avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change. Fortunately, many of the efforts we undertake to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will save money in the long-run and will have the added benefit of reducing our dependence on oil, much of which is imported at great costs from increasingly volatile regions of the world. Transportation and Urban Development
The transportation sector represents about one third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Congressman Blumenauer supports making improvements to the nation’s transportation system that will not only reduce emissions, but also help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. He strongly supports increasing the fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles to at least 40 miles per gallon and reducing the carbon content of fuel. He introduced legislation to close the “Hummer Tax Loophole,” which encourages small businesses to buy bigger and less efficient luxury SUVs. This legislation was included in the House passed energy bill in 2007. International Efforts
Climate change is a global problem whose solution requires active participation by all nations. Congressman Blumenauer has traveled to Greenland and Europe with Speaker Pelosi to witness first hand the impacts of climate change and what other countries are doing to combat it. He believes that as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, the United States has a unique responsibility to take the lead in combating global warming. He strongly supports re-engaging in international conversations on climate change. The Federal Government Leading by ExampleAs the largest consumer of energy in the world, Congressman Blumenauer believes that the Federal government should lead by example and model the behavior it expects from business and consumers on energy and climate issues. The government can use its own vast resources to reduce or eliminate the problems associated with our patterns of oil dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. He has worked with Speaker Pelosi on the “Greening of the Capitol” initiative (add link?), which has already lowered the carbon footprint of the House of Representatives by increasing energy efficiency, switching to renewable power, promoting biking and carsharing, and reducing waste. Not only will this help the environment, but it will save U.S. taxpayers money in the long run. Adaptation
Even if the world stops emitting greenhouse gases today, scientists warn that due to the legacy of historic emissions, changes already observed, and unpredictable feedback processes, we are committed to a warmer planet. Impacts felt around the world may include tropical storms increasing in frequency and intensity, sea level rise, biodiversity losses, increased drought, and stress on productive agricultural lands. Addressing these risks may involve reducing development in hazardous or ecologically sensitive areas and changing construction techniques to make communities and their associated infrastructure more resilient. Congressman Blumenauer is working to ensure that government agencies use the best available science to take climate change into account in planning and risk management. He is pursuing comprehensive adaptation strategies, such as flood mitigation, that will protect lives, keep our economy strong, and enhance the environment. During the 110th Congress, he co-sponsored a lecture series by the United States Geological Survey about climate change and natural disasters. In 2007, the House passed Blumenauer legislation to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to take global warming into account when updating its floodplain maps. |