Erhlich pushes Global Warming Act

MARBLEHEAD – The Global Warming Solutions Act must be voted on by the House of Representatives by Thursday if it is to pass this session.State Representative Lori A. Ehrlich, a Marblehead Democrat, who is a strong supporter of the legislation, urged the House to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act before the end of the session.”Global warming and what we do about it will both define generations to come and be the legacy by which this generation is judged,” she said. “This issue is not about party politics, as we see individuals from all parts of the political spectrum standing up to take meaningful action. This is plainly evident as we see oilman, T. Boone Pickens, and (former) Vice President Al Gore both singing the same tune.”The Global Warming Solutions Act would require power plants to meet standard of 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per mega-watt hour for approval of construction or expansion projects;If passed the act would also require the DEP to adopt a low carbon fuel standard for motor vehicle fuels to ensure a 10 percent reduction in carbon content by 2020.Ehrlich said the call to action was bolstered by letters of support from dozens of business leaders and national environmental organizations and the 111 House members calling for passage of the bill – as well as a statement of support from Gore.”Scientists tell us that climate change now threatens the lives and livelihoods of future generations,” said Dr. Frank Ackerman, an economist at Tufts University’s Global Development and Environment Institute. “Leaving a sustainable, livable Earth to our children and grandchildren is not one special interest among many – rather, it is the purpose of our economic activity, the principal reason for our hard work, savings, and investments. That’s why we need swift and deep cuts in emissions in Massachusetts and throughout the nation.”The bill must come to a vote on the House floor by July 31 if it is to pass this session.