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Global warming bill gathers support
Global warming in Iowa threatens to cause more frequent and extreme heat waves and droughts with effects that could significantly change our ecosystems, agriculture and quality of life. Outside of Iowa, global warming may cause more severe hurricanes and other extreme weather along coastal regions around the world.

To prevent the worst effects of global warming, more than 115 members of Congress have cosponsored the Safe Climate Act, which would dramatically reduce global warming pollution across the United States. Introduced in June of last year by Rep. Henry Waxman (CA), the bill would require the United States to reduce its global warming pollution by about 15 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050.

To achieve these targets, the bill calls for improved energy efficiency and a greater reliance on clean, renewable energy sources. As our research demonstrates, we have the know-how to meet these targets.

Report shows reductions achievable
To help boost cosponsorship of the bill, Environment Iowa released “Rising to the Challenge: Six Steps to Cut Global Warming Pollution in the United States.” The report details six specific strategies that, if adopted, would reduce U.S. global warming emissions by 19 percent below 2004 levels by 2020—a big step towards meeting the goals of the Safe Climate Act.

Beyond emissions reductions, these steps will also improve America’s environment, economy and energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. Iowa has great potential for harnessing the sun and wind to generate electricity and for producing clean biofuels instead of using coal and oil. The six steps outlined in the report include:

• Stop the growth in the miles that vehicles travel every year;
• Increase vehicle fuel economy standards to 40 miles per gallon and set fuel economy standards for large trucks;
• Replace 10 percent of vehicle fuel with biofuels or other clean alternatives;
• Reduce energy consumption in homes, business and industry by 10 percent from current levels;
• Obtain 20 percent of our electricity from new renewable energy sources;
• Hold emissions from other sectors of the economy, such as air travel, to current levels.