I believe it is clear that human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, industrial production, deforestation, and increased levels of carbon dioxide emissions continue to lead to changes in the fundamental composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in global warming. As a member of the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, this is an issue in which I am actively engaged. I have been a longstanding advocate for alternative, sustainable energy solutions that will both meet our long-term energy needs and address pressing global warming concerns including concrete plans for energy efficiency and conservation.

To that end, I have been an active supporter of the Climate Stewardship Act and have again agreed to co-sponsor this bill (H.R. 620) in the 110th Congress. The Climate Stewardship Act seeks to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels. The measure was introduced on January 22, 2007, and is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Committee on Science and Technology, and the House Committee on Natural Resources.

I am also a proud co-sponsor of the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation (CLEAN) Act of 2007 (H.R. 6), which would repeal oil industry subsidies and create a fund for investing in clean, renewable sources of energy. I was pleased to vote in favor of the CLEAN Act when it came to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on January 18, 2007. This important bill passed by a vote of 264-123 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

Additionally, I am an original co-sponsor of the Safe Climate Act (H.R. 1590) which would, among other things, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean, renewable sources of energy production. The Safe Climate Act is currently awaiting consideration by both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

It is imparative that we implement a higher automotice gas usage standard (CAFE' standard) that significantly increases the miles per gallon of gasoline that must be achieved by all our automobile manufactuors. Failure to do so endangers our environment and also our automotive industry that simply will not remain competetive until and unless it acts.

I am hopeful that the issue of global warming will be thoroughly addressed under new leadership in the 110th Congress. As we move forward, I will remain committed to working with like-minded colleagues to promote policies and programs that end environmentally harmful practices and develop sustainable alternatives.