Senator McCain Commends Business & Environmental Leaders for Addressing Climate Change
SENATOR MCCAIN COMMENDS BUSINESS & ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS FOR ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE
U.S. Senator John McCain applauded business and environmental leaders who have called on President Bush to enact mandatory reductions in carbon emissions in order to combat global warming. The following is a statement from Senator McCain commending these leaders for seeking a reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent within a decade, and by at least 60 percent by 2050:
"I want to thank the business and environmental leaders who have made this important statement today.
"Americans solve problems. We don't run from them. We all know that greenhouse gases are accumulating in the atmosphere and the effects of this change are already being observed today. The consequences of inaction pose a serious and unacceptable threat to our environment, our economy, and U.S. national security.
"While the failure to act places us at risk, there is also much danger in the wrong response. I applaud the group's endorsement of using market-based mechanisms to achieve responsible carbon reduction goals. Only by harnessing the transformational forces of the marketplace we can bring about change efficiently and effectively. Done right we can harness this necessity as a force for good to make America more energy independent, safer, and economically better off as we capture the markets for the new technologies the world needs for the future.
"Setting the ground rules now for managing greenhouse gasses will unleash American ingenuity in an all out effort to meet this complicated challenge. Today the members of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership said it's time to begin, and I agree.
"Let us never forget that the problem of climate change cannot and must not be solved by America alone. It demands international cooperation. But like all problems facing the world, doing what's right requires American vision and leadershipthe source of our economic and moral strength.
"Wisely addressing the causes and consequences of climate change, and seizing this opportunity to advance America's environmental and economic goals, will require the energy, innovation and creativity of the business community and all sectors of society. The U.S. Climate Action Partnership will make a significant contribution to this effort."
http://mccain.senate.gov/press_office/view_article.cfm?id=809