Global warming is happening all around us and getting worse each day. Every day we spew carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the air. Government action has been slow to happen and insufficient when it has happened.
But it's not too late.
2020 Vision has worked with a variety of groups to slow the increase of greenhouse gasses. We continue to try to find new and innovative solutions. From working for legislation to organizing locally against coal fired electric plants to working for new transportation solutions, activists have been involved across the country.
The fight is far from over. And the stakes can't be higher. But together, we can change the path we're on.
On June 15, 2020 Vision, along with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, and hosted in the Senate by the offices of Senators Lugar (R-IN) and Biden (D-DE) and in the House by the office of Rep. Markey (D-MA), presented a briefing on the Farm Bill and its effects on climate change and energy security.
The first briefing, in the Senate, was kicked off by Senate Agriculture Committee staffer Eldon Boes, whose presentation slides are available here. (NOTE: All slides require Microsoft's PowerPoint software to open.) In addition to reviewing the possibilities for alternative energy on farms themselves, Mr. Boes also briefed the crowd on the outlook for the farm bill and the proposed timing of the bill.
Mr. Boes was followed by Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, whose slides can be downloaded here. Mr. Learner spoke about Section Nine of the bill. The programs in that part of the Farm Bill provide funding for using alternative energy on farms. There is a great opportunity for wind and other renewable energy technologies on farms, and Mr. Learner detailed how to take advantage of the opportunity.
Next to speak was Dr. Elizabeth Marshall of the World Resources Institute. Dr. Marshall, whose slides are available here (warning: large file) warned that, while ethanol is the current focus of renewable energy from farm, we need to look at sustainable approaches to ethanol production, especially as it focuses currently on corn production. She also focused on some of the externality benefits of farming for energy security, including the environmental and conservation benefits.
Wrapping up was Scott Faber, Director of the Healthy Farms, Healthy Foods Campaign at Environmental Defense. Mr. Faber, whose slides are available here (warning: large file) spoke about the opportunity for carbon reductions through the farm bill. He pointed out that a robust carbon trading system built into the farm bill would be a win-win-win situation. Farmers woud benefit from increased net farm income due to carbon trading, Americans would benefit from reduced global warming emissions, and America's security would be enhanced by reduced oil use.
On the House side, the panel was joined by Anne Simmons, Senior Professional Staff member on the House Agriculture Committee's Democratic staff. Ms. Simmons brought two documents. The first focuses on the highlights of the House bill. The second lays out the challenge of funding the new energy bill. Since the most recent energy bill revision 5 years ago, accounting changes and changes in the farming landscape limit the amount of funding available to the Committee, and they are trying to ensure a steady funding source for the programs.
2020 Vision hopes to sponsor more briefings like this. We hope you will be able to join us in the future!
We are all contributors to global warming and we all need to be part of the solution. Join the 604,416 supporters of the Stop Global Warming Virtual March, and become part of the movement to demand solutions to global warming now.
On March 15, 2007, from 9 AM to 1 PM, you have the opportunity to join dozens of other student activists at the Wisconsin Capitol demanding a brighter future for us all.
Come lobby for comprehensive legislation, modeled after last years landmark California bill, which will drastically cut carbon emissions in our state. Just think of the benefits this will have for our health and environment. Let's make Wisconsin a national leader in the movement to stop global warming! Your direct, in-person communication with your legislator is the only way we can make it happen.
Click here to register!
Click here for more information about the bill!
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has created a special committee in an effort to jump-start long-delayed government efforts to deal with global warming and produce a bill by Independence Day.