[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ADOPTION OF THE SKI INDUSTRY CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY BY 
THE NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COLORADO SKI 
                              COUNTRY USA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
adoption of the Ski Industry Climate Change Policy by the National Ski 
Areas Association and Colorado Ski Country USA, an organization in 
Colorado that represents Colorado's 25 ski and snowboard resorts. I am 
submitting the policy for the Record.
  The climate change policy was developed over the last several months 
and was adopted by the National Ski Areas Association Board of 
Directors on September 18, 2002 under the auspices of Sustainable 
Slopes. This campaign has its origins in the Environmental Charter 
adopted in June 2000, which contains a sweeping set of voluntary 
principles for protecting the environment and formalizes the industry's 
commitment to environmental sustainability. More than 170 ski areas in 
31 states, plus six resorts in Canada, have endorsed the Charter. The 
Colorado ski industry leads the nation in endorsing Sustainable Slopes, 
with all Colorado resorts except one endorsing.
  Variability in climate is not good for skiers, the ski industry, or 
the environment. Given the ski industry's dependence on weather, 
climate changes that produce weather patterns of warmer temperatures or 
decreased snowfall could significantly impact the industry. The Union 
of Concerned Scientists reports that global warming may already be 
affecting the snow pack of the Sierra Mountains in California.
  I'm pleased that the ski industry in general and Colorado Ski Country 
in particular has taken a leadership role in raising awareness and 
encouraging solutions on this important issue.

                   SKI INDUSTRY CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

  Ski areas across the country adopted an Environmental Charter in 2000 
to address the environmental concerns of our industry. The Charter, 
commonly referred to as ``Sustainable Slopes,'' identifies climate 
change as a potential threat to the environment and our business. 
Although we are not a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 
many resorts across the country already are taking steps to reduce 
their own, limited GHG emissions.
  To collectively address the long-term challenges presented by climate 
change and continue our commitment to stewardship under the Sustainable 
Slopes program, we hereby adopt this climate change policy. Through 
this policy, we aim to raise awareness of the potential impacts of 
climate change on our weather-dependent business and the winter 
recreation experience; reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions; and 
encourage others to take action as well. We are committed to working 
toward solutions that will keep both the environment and economy 
healthy and preserve quality of life. To this end, we will take the 
following actions:
  Educate the public and resort guests about the dependence of winter 
sports on natural ecosystems and the potential impacts of climate 
change on the winter recreation experience; educate guests on how they 
can help reduce GHG emissions.
  Raise policy maker awareness of the dependence of winter sports on 
natural ecosystems and the potential impacts of climate change on the 
winter recreation experience.
  Advocate the national reduction of GHG emissions through legislative, 
regulatory or voluntary measures.
  Support sound, science-based solutions to climate change, including 
the use of renewable energy technologies.
  Partner with appropriate organizations and agencies to assess 
opportunities to reduce resort emissions and increase energy 
efficiency; invest in new, more efficient products, practices and 
technologies; and measure our emission reductions.

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