Climate Change

The scientific consensus on climate change is increasingly clear: unless we act to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the planet will continue to warm over the next century, with widespread and potentially devastating effects. These potential effects include more frequent extreme weather events, and the wider spread of diseases such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and malaria.

Potential impacts in New York include coastal flooding due to rising sea levels in communities on Long Island, warming in the Adirondacks, where tourism and a way of life depend on cold and snow in the winter, and damage to New York’s agriculture industry.

Given the scientific evidence that we have and the potential consequences of continued warming, I strongly believe this nation needs to take sensible first steps to slow and ultimately reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to climate change. To that end, I support investment in renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and the flexible, market-based emissions reduction approach in the Climate Stewardship Act of 2003 proposed by Senators Lieberman and McCain. I also support funding for research and development of carbon sequestration technologies as well as advanced clean coal technologies.