[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E537-E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK

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                        HON. LEONARD L. BOSWELL

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Public Health Week (NPHW), April 7-13, a week to focus on issues facing 
the public health and find ways to improve the health of all. This year 
NPHW focuses on how climate change is affecting the health of Americans 
and people around the world.
  The impact of global climate change on our planet and the role we 
have played in speeding its progress is becoming increasingly self-
evident. The work of groups like the American Public Health Association 
and committed individuals, such as former Vice President Al Gore, have 
created a heightened awareness of what is one of the most important 
issues of the coming century. This heightened state of public awareness 
has led to calls across the country for a new emphasis on reducing the 
amount of greenhouse gases that are expelled into the atmosphere by 
finding new, cleaner sources of energy, reducing our consumption of 
natural resources, and using energy-efficient products.
  In my home State of Iowa we are working hard to find new and 
innovative ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced. It 
gives me great pride to say that a recent study by the American Wind 
Energy Association found that Iowa ranked first in the Nation in the 
percentage of wind-generated electricity created in the State, and 
fourth in total wind electricity generation.
  The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council, ICCAC, created less than a 
year ago in April 2007, is charged with finding ways for Iowa to combat 
climate change by becoming more energy efficient and independent. The 
ICCAC is right now creating plans for the reduction of greenhouse gases 
statewide with target goals of 50 percent to 90 percent by 2050.
  In February of this year Governor Chet Culver signed Executive Order 
Six, establishing a new ``green government'' initiative. This 
initiative calls for improving energy efficiency in three areas, 
greening new and existing State

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buildings and facilities, promoting resource efficiency by using 
recycled and sustainable products, and recycling used material, and 
increasing the use of biofuels in State automobiles and improving their 
fuel efficiency.
  Across Iowa, communities large and small are following the example 
set by the State government, and in many places blazing their own path. 
These efforts must be replicated across the country and around the 
world if we are to curb the emission of greenhouse gases and protect 
our planet for future generations.

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