US Senators urge Bush to act on climate change

New York, 6 July: Forty US senators sent a letter to President Bush on 29 June, urging him to "provide leadership" on climate change, and warning that the US could lose its competitive edge in a "carbon conscious" world.

A year ago, the Senate passed a resolution recognising the need for a mandatory federal programme to reverse global warming, the letter notes. "Today, we are writing to express our continuing concern about the threats posed by global warming and our support for a mandatory programme that would reduce emissions from today's levels within 10 years," it states.

The letter points to signs of global warming, such as retreating sea ice, disappearing glaciers, rising sea levels, and early snow melts, which aggravate water shortages in the western US. It also cites findings from the Bush Administration's own scientists, attributing climate change to human influences.

Moreover, the letter warns of potential economic impacts, saying "it also is important to keep US businesses competitive in a carbon-conscious global marketplace. Since we have not given them a clear signal to reduce global warming pollution, American businesses continue to make long-term capital investments that commit us to ever-increasing global warming emissions. Our inaction has discouraged the deployment of existing technologies and development of new technologies."

The letter adds: "foreign companies are advancing innovative designs and patents in photovoltaics, auto technology, wind and efficient buildings".

It is important to act quickly because the cost and difficulty of countering climate change "increases every year", the senators say. They conclude: "As we consider legislation to address global warming, we urge you to provide leadership on this critical issue by supporting our effort."

Several bills are being considered by the Congress, including the Strong Economy & Climate Protection Act, which would cap emissions from large emitters. In addition, Republican Sen. John McCain says he will re-introduce the Climate Stewardship Act, which would cap greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, transportation and other sources.

While most of the signatories are Democrats, the list includes some of Bush's fellow Republicans including McCain – a probable presidential candidate in 2008 – as well as Richard Lugar, Susan Collins, Lincoln Chafee and Olympia Snow.