[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 96 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8041-S8042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION REDUCTION ACT OF 2006

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I want to express my appreciation to my 
good friend and colleague, Senator Jeffords, for his hard work and 
leadership in developing comprehensive legislation that will assist in 
decreasing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. I am proud to join him, along 
with my other colleagues Senators Bingaman, Boxer, Kennedy, Leahy, 
Lautenberg, and Reed in introducing the Global Warming Pollution 
Reduction Act of 2006, GWPRA. This bill sets the United States on a 
path to reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 through a 2 percent 
annual reduction from 2010 through 2020, as well as achieving by 2050 
emissions that are 80 percent below 1990 levels.
  The global warming debate began in Hawaii over 30 years ago when the 
Mauna Loa Climate Observatory first documented evidence of increased 
carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere. The international 
scientific community now concurs that human activities are altering the 
climate system. The U.S., which is the world's largest emitter of 
greenhouse gases, must be accountable as a leader in reducing emissions 
and combating the threats resulting from global warming.
  My home State of Hawaii is disproportionately susceptible to 
increases in sea level rise and ocean temperature, which jeopardize 
public safety, economic development, cultural resources, and the health 
of our unique island ecosystems and wildlife. It is clear that coastal 
States will also face similar challenges caused by sea level rise 
resulting in flooding of low-lying property, loss of coastal wetlands, 
beach erosion, saltwater contamination of drinking water, and damage to 
coastal roads and bridges. Climate models forecasting intense storms 
and severe weather further threaten Hawaii's capacity to respond to 
natural disasters and acquire immediate relief from neighboring states. 
Remote and rural areas are likely to be confronted with similar issues 
of self-sufficiency and limited access to assistance.
  I am very concerned about the impact of fossil fuel emissions on the 
health of our planet and believe that we must actively seek solutions 
to curb the buildup of greenhouse gases. This bill sets energy 
efficiency targets to assist both the industry and energy consumers in 
meeting these standards. This legislation lays out ambitious goals to 
minimize U.S. emissions and assist in the stabilization of global 
atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
  We must invest in technology research to control greenhouse gas 
emissions. Encouraging renewable energy technologies will play a 
crucial role in successfully meeting the objectives of this 
legislation. Under the guidance provided by this bill, I firmly believe 
the State of Hawaii, along with the rest of the United States, will be 
poised to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But Federal 
support is vital to accomplishing our goals to combat global warming.
  I appreciate the technical assistance provided by the Hawaii Natural 
Energy Institute and the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic 
Development and Tourism. I remain committed to working with them, other 
stakeholders in Hawaii, and my colleagues, under the leadership of 
Senator Jeffords, to enact this legislation that will improve the 
health of our planet and the quality of life for all Americans. Senator

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Jeffords is a dedicated advocate for environmental protection. With the 
GWPRA, he leaves a legacy to guide and inspire future generations to 
actively address the issue of global warming. I encourage my colleagues 
to join Senator Jeffords in supporting this worthy initiative.

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