In case you hadn’t already heard, Governor O’Malley came out publicly and strongly in support of the Global Warming Solutions Act yesterday. This is really exciting news, but it doesn’t mean that the fight is over. Already, the opposition is claiming that this bill will hurt Maryland’s economy. Let’s get some letters to the editor out that not only thank the Governor, but address some of the concerns that have been recently raised.
Talking points:
– Thank you, Governor O’Malley, for your strong support of this legislation!
– Passing strong climate legislation creates strong government incentives for industrial innovation; such innovation would only be beneficial to Maryland’s economy. For example, according to Business Week, Alcoa slashed greenhouse gas emissions from the aluminum smeltering process by 80%. The annual cost savings is expected to reach $100 million next year.
– All of the current manufacturing jobs are not going to exist in the future if companies don’t start planning now for how to operate with limits on pollution. Carbon dioxide limits are coming one way or anohter, and those companies that acknowledge that now will be better off in the end – so they’re much better off acting ahead of the curve.
– We also have the opportunity of creating new, lasting, and non-outsourceable jobs at a variety income levels within a new green economy
– Action now to curb greenhouse gas emissions will protect our state from future economic hardship due to sea-level rise.
– Protecting our environment and maintaining economic competitiveness are not mutually exclusive.
Articles to Check Out:
Baltimore Sun. O’Malley Plan Targets Global Warming. http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/news/news_detail.cfm?id=490
Annapolis Capital. O’Malley to support global warming bill. http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/02_19-03/TOP
Examiner. Op-Ed. O’Malley’s Global Warming Attack Means Higher Energy Bills. http://www.examiner.com/printa-1213265~Mark_Newgent:_O’Malley’s_global_warming_attack_means_higher_energy_bills.html
