IT’S TIME TO STOP GLOBAL WARMING
CITIZENS’ CLIMATE POLICY:

A STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

Global warming is one of the most serious threats to our environment, our health and our economy. The most recent scientific studies prove that global warming is here now and is already causing environmental changes that will have significant economic and social impacts.

The good news is that if we act now, and act decisively, we can stop the worst effects of global warming. We can reduce global warming pollution by using existing technologies to make power plants and factories more efficient, make cars go farther on a gallon of gasoline, and shift to cleaner technologies, such as hybrids, cleanly-produced bio-fuels, and wind and solar power. Cities, states and individuals are already adopting many of these solutions, which also reduce our dependence on oil, reduce air pollution, and protect pristine places from oil drilling and mining. State and local initiatives are proving that answers exist.

To reinforce and expand on those efforts, we need federal action that triggers solutions on a national scale. U.S. businesses can and should lead the world in developing new energy technologies, but most aren’t going to without the guidance of mandatory limits.

A federal limit on global warming pollution that meets the following principles is the responsible way to ensure that we protect our environment for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
1. Guarantee global warming pollution reductions, with enforceable deadlines.
Scientists say that we must begin to significantly reduce our emissions from today’s levels in the next 10 years and cut them by 60-80% by 2050 if we are to avert the worst consequences of global warming. Coal-fired power plants are the largest single source of global warming
pollution. Cars, trucks and SUVs run a close second. Pollution from these sources is rising.
2. Promote clean and efficient sources of energy.
We can start using a number of low- and zero-pollution options immediately. The cleanest,
fastest, and safest way to move away from dangerous sources of energy is to use energy more
efficiently in our homes and vehicles. Energy efficiency reduces pollution and saves consumers
money. Renewable energies like wind, solar and cleanly-produced bio-fuels reduce pollution,
reduce reliance on oil and create new economic opportunities for farmers and small businesses.
3. Immediate action is required. If we wait, it will be too late.
We must begin to significantly reduce our emissions within 10 years if we are to limit global
warming to 3.6° Fahrenheit and avoid the most dangerous impacts of global warming. The
window of opportunity is closing, and the time for action is now.

In 2005 the U.S. Senate recognized that global warming is real and that the time had come for
strong federal policy. As the impacts of global warming become more pervasive, it is clear that we cannot afford more delay. Our health and environment demand it.