Climate Change & the Energy Bill
December 20th, 2007
Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing current and future generations of Alaskans. For us, the impacts of global warming are real and personal. We’ve seen changing temperatures and chemistry in the ocean alter our fisheries. In the face of melting permafrost we’ve cut back tundra travel essential to oil and gas exploration and development. We’ve responded as storms pound coastal communities that were once protected with sea ice, and we’ve suffered unprecedented forest fires aggravated by lightning strikes and massive beetle kills.
That is why I watched the Bali climate change conference last week with great interest. The conference produced a roadmap for climate change policies over the next two years, that, while vague, is a step in the right direction. But it leaves the next President and the next Congress with a lot to do.
That is also why I watched closely as Congress developed and passed an Energy Bill that helps move the country towards energy independence and energy security. It increases vehicle mileage standards, encourages production of renewable biofuels, and promotes energy savings in the home.
This morning, President Bush signed the bill – a bill that both Alaska senators supported, but that Congressman Don Young opposed.
The bill is a step in the right direction, but there is still much to be done. We need to increase domestic oil, gas and renewable energy supplies; reduce the cost of energy, especially in rural Alaska; and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Given the risks of climate change, and the contributions Alaska can make to America’s energy future, our Representative in Congress should play a positive role shaping policy and events. With these stakes, Congressman Young’s out-of-step opposition to the Energy Bill is a stark reminder that it is time for Alaskans to take a New Direction.
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Season’s Greetings!
This is the time of year for family, friends and festivities, for presents and parties, and that’s what we’re up to in the Berkowitz-Kimmel home. We’ve enjoyed grandparents in the guestroom, carefully orchestrated child care logistics, and have survived the first onslaught of sugar rushes. Now we’re ready to loosen our belts until the New Year’s resolutions kick in. After all, what’s all that exercise for if you can’t eat any cookies?
End of year deadline approaching
If only we could take a holiday break from fundraising! Unfortunately, there are no holidays for our campaign until the day after Election Day. I’m hoping you will help us reach our goal of raising $15,000 before the end of 2007. As you can see below, we’re well on our way to getting there. Now, with your contribution, we can close out the year with strength and momentum.
