By JESSICA CORRY, Staff Writer
As the
generator of 1 percent of the world's heat-trapping emissions, Pennsylvania
has taken measures to promote alternative energy solutions, such as solar and
wind power, critical to reducing pollution.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) that passed Friday in the
U.S. House is the first national legislation to combat climate change. It
promotes renewable energy, increases energy efficiency and places a cap on
emissions of heat-trapping pollutants, such as carbon. Rising sea levels,
melting glaciers and higher temperatures are just a few of the concerns about
climate change.
"It is clear the United States
cannot wait any longer, and although this bill does not go as far as we would
hope, is an important first step in tackling global warming," said Nathan
Willcox, energy and clean air advocate for PennEnvironment, a
statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization.
According to a study recently published by the U.S. Global Change Research
Program, global warming is "unequivocal" and "primarily
human-induced." The report outlines instances of climate change observed
in the United States,
including an increase in heavy downpours, higher air and water temperatures,
earlier snowmelt and thawing permafrost, all of which affect human health,
agriculture, coastal areas and water supply.
"The reality is that Pennsylvania
is already experiencing the effects of climate change," said Willcox.
"On the temperature side alone there has been a warming trend when
compared to previous years. The impacts range from public health issues to the
potential loss of natural plant- and wildlife."
In particular, Willcox noted the effect on dairy farming, the most economically
important agricultural industry in the state. With higher temperatures, he
explained, heat stress depresses milk production and will pose a substantial
challenge to the industry.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, emissions from the
burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and the clearing of forests have
caused the concentration of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to increase in the
atmosphere.
Although greenhouse gases are responsible for keeping the planet's surface warm
enough to sustain life, as atmospheric concentrations continue to increase, the
Earth's temperature is climbing.
"Science shows that carbon and greenhouse gases significantly impact the
planet," explained Anne Crowley of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
"We must take action to redress these impacts on the Earth by working
toward clean air, clean water and clean land. People are concerned with climate
change and want to pass on a healthy Pennsylvania
to their children and grandchildren."
Crowley emphasized the growth of
green jobs due to clean-energy investments such as those outlined in the
legislation. For example, constructing wind farms creates jobs for sheet metal
workers, machinists and truck drivers.
Large power companies, such as Exelon Corp., are
looking carefully at the legislation.
"When you look at the reality of the EPA regulating carbon emission, it is
a serious risk for our business and all the consumers that we serve," said
Exelon's Scott Brown at an energy roundtable Tuesday
with U.S. Rep.
Jim Gerlach, R-6th, of West Pikeland. "The market approach is the
most effective method to reduce carbon emissions."
He compared the carbon cap-and-trade system to current regulations under the
Clean Air Act regarding sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions.
Opponents of the bill cited increased costs and the disadvantage domestic
industries would have competing with foreign companies operating without a
strict cap on emissions.
But Willcox explained that with the upcoming international climate conference
at Copenhagen, there is pressure
for the United States
to pass its own clean energy legislation before attempting to convince other
nations to do so.
"It is definitely the case that the United
States alone cannot solve global
warming," Willcox said. "However, China
and India are
not going to take serious enough action if the United States has not yet taken real, concrete
measures either."
President Barack Obama has
established climate change as a national priority and endorsed the American
Clean Energy and Security Act at a news conference Tuesday, referring to it as
"historic legislation that will transform the way we produce and use
energy in America."
