The Herald News
Posted Mar 25, 2009 @ 04:56 PM
Global
warming is the greatest challenge facing my generation today. Its early
impacts are already visible here in Massachusetts through rising sea
levels and bizarre weather patterns.
Scientific consensus calls for a cut in greenhouse gas emissions to 25
percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and an 80 percent cut by 2050 to
avoid the worst impacts of global warming.
Fortunately, we already have the technologies we need to cut our
emissions. We can already construct buildings that use no net energy
and 100 mile-per-gallon plug-in hybrid cars. We can power our
electrical grid with wind and solar power and build high-speed rail to
minimize car and air travel. These solutions, however, will only come
through swift and bold action by our federal government.
Our local Congressional representatives, Barney Frank and Jim McGovern,
deserve praise for voting for more than $80 billion in funding for
clean energy, energy efficiency and public transportation in the
economic recovery package. They can further enhance their record as
supporters of global warming solutions by using their clout to urge
Rep. Henry Waxman’s Committee on Energy and Commerce to produce strong
legislation that cuts greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990
levels and 80 percent by 2050 as it deliberates a bill this spring.
I am a MASSPIRG student at Bristol Community College in Fall River. My
generation wants to live the remainder of its days in a stable, healthy
and prosperous environment, and we wish this blessing on future
generations as well. Congress has the power to make global warming
history, and we believe that with the leadership of people like Reps.
Frank and McGovern, they will succeed.
John R. Freitas Jr.
Fall River
