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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted Nov. 1, 2003 Press release © 2003 Michigan Environmental Council

Sen. Stabenow's global warming vote praised

"Although it failed to pass by a vote of 43-55, this is the first time the Senate made a serious attempt to begin to deal with this looming problem," Stabenow said. "This legislation would have provided a balanced approach to limiting emissions that are causing global warming."

On Thursday, Oct. 30,  Lana Pollack, Michigan Environmental Council president, praised Stabenow for her vote.

"Today’s vote is a victory for the special interests and a disappointing defeat for those of us who recognize that American know-how can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve our economy and protect our planet,” Pollack said. "Debbie Stabenow understands that for Michigan residents global warming is a local issue for our lakes, our farms and our economy. The people of Michigan thank her for taking a strong stand on addressing a threat that, unfortunately, is only going to get worse because of the Senate’s inaction."

The Michigan Environmental Council, which represents 67 environmental and faith-based groups, was one of several groups that sent a letter this week asking Stabenow and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) to support the Climate Stewardship Act. The bill required reductions of greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2010. Science has shown that heat-trapping gasses from coal-fired utilities, factories and vehicles are warming the earth’s temperature. This has resulted in less winter ice on the Great Lakes and an alarming drop in lake water levels.

The letter said that urgent action was needed or the United States faced deep and costly carbon emission reductions cuts in the future. The bill’s failure undercuts American leadership in the global market for energy technology -- an estimated $10 trillion market over the next 20 years, Pollack noted.

"It’s just amazing to me that our leaders have so little faith in the most entrepreneurial and innovative economy in the history of the world," said Pollack. “There is undeniable scientific evidence that global warming poses an enormous threat to our economy. Fortunately, Sen. Stabenow understands this and acted in Michigan’s best interests."

Sen. Levin voted against the bill.

Editor's Note: An editorial in the Detroit News opposes the bill, claiming it would hurt the coal and automobile industries and raise energy prices. On the other hand, the Kalamazoo Gazette says that while the vote against the bill spares the auto industry, the fact that vehicles today have worse gas mileage performance than they did 10 years ago is the fault of consumers, who "have demanded bigger, heavier gas hogs," making us more and more dependent on foreign oil. For a summary of the bill, visit the Environmental Defense Web site.

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