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September 3, 2008
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Florida Representatives:
Our current energy system is failing us. Our dependence on fossil fuels is breaking Floridians’ pocketbooks at the pump and threatening future generations. We need strong leadership to put America on the path to a new energy future: one that uses clean, renewable, homegrown sources to address global warming and moves us away from our dependence on dirty fossil fuels.
We are at a crossroads this year, and we must begin now to build support for strong legislation in the House of Representatives. We cannot afford to wait any longer. When it comes to global warming, the stakes are high for Florida. Rising sea levels threaten to destroy thousands of coastal homes and businesses, and changing weather patterns put us in the path of hurricanes stronger than any we’ve ever seen.
Any legislation addressing global warming must be commensurate to the severity of the problem. We believe that the following four priorities are the essential aspects required for comprehensive legislation that will meet the challenge of global warming, protect the environment for current and future generations, and transition America toward a new energy future and a clean energy economy.
Reduce emissions to avoid dangerous global warming
The science is clear: we must reduce carbon dioxide emissions sharply and rapidly—20% by 2020, 80% by 2050—to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.
Transition America to a clean energy economy
As a nation we need to prioritize and invest in the best, cleanest and safest energy and efficiency technologies, while preserving the right of states to take action above and beyond the baseline set by the federal government.
Recognize and minimize any economic impacts from global warming legislation
A clean energy economy offers an opportunity for huge economic growth and thousands of new jobs, but legislation should protect consumers, workers and communities against potential costs, and shift benefits to the public.
Aid communities and ecosystems vulnerable to harm from global warming
An adequate response to global warming must include consideration for those specific local communities, less developed nations, and ecosystems that will be most devastated by the changes brought on by a warming earth.
Your support for these core principles will ensure that the House of Representatives develops strong, science-based legislation to reduce global warming pollution as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
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