For Immediate Release Contact: David Willett, 202-675-6698 Senator Murkowski Seeks to Unlearn Dangers of Global Warming Washington, DC: In light of Senator Murkowski's (R-AK) introduction of a "disapproval resolution" to attempt to halt the EPA's finding that global warming pollution endangers human health and welfare, the Sierra Club issues the following statement from Carl Pope, Executive Director. "As the world gathers in Copenhagen to take action against global warming, we are pleased that President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton will be there to demonstrate America's commitment to lead on this issue. Unfortunately, polluting corporate interests still carry sway with some in Congress. Senator Murkowski's latest stunt to reject the science of global warming is another cynical ploy to turn back the progress being made and to try to place a blindfold over America when it comes to the impacts of climate change. "After years of research, scientific debate, court cases, public hearings and comments, Senator Murkowski is suggesting that we simply choose to "un-learn" that global warming is happening and that it will be dangerous to human health and welfare. We simply cannot choose to ignore that global warming pollution will lead to hazards to the public's health in the U.S. and around the world. Furthermore, action to fight global warming will build a clean energy economy that will not only mean less pollution, but more jobs and greater security as well. "Of course we certainly urge Congress to act as quickly as possible to begin building a clean energy economy and reduce global warming pollution, but it is also extremely important to continue to allow the Clean Air Act and the Environmental Protection Agency do their jobs--namely, protect America's clean air and public health. As the process of crafting legislation moves forward, the EPA, directed in this case by the Supreme Court, must act to protect communities from pollution. "Communities beginning to feel the impacts of climate change, in places like Alaska, can't take a time out-- we can't choose to deny that this pollution isn't harmful any longer. "Senator Murkowski and the rest of the Senate would serve Alaska, the country and the planet better by focusing on finishing their own bill, rather than wasting time trying to convince America to "unlearn" the dangers of global warming. The Senate must reject this resolution." ###
December 15, 2009