[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MASSACHUSETTS FOR RESOLUTION

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                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, as the House is soon to consider 
comprehensive climate change legislation, I would like to illustrate 
how individual states stand ready to lead the effort to combat global 
warming and are willing to take extremely ambitious and necessary 
stands. On March 12th, my home state of Massachusetts passed a 
resolution committing to re-power America with 100 percent clean 
electricity in the next ten years. The resolution was successful in 
large part because of the tireless efforts of Massachusetts Power 
Shift, a grassroots organization of climate advocates. Global warming 
is no longer an academic question for scientists to ponder. It's a very 
real crisis that requires American leadership. This is not a political 
issue; this is a critical generational responsibility that will take a 
commitment from every American. The renewable technologies to reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions and move towards energy independence exist; 
the societal will and desire to go green have been demonstrated; and 
the political climate to finally create sound public policy to do so is 
now present. Re-powering America with clean energy will create jobs, 
reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and help reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions--the clearest solution to preserving our natural treasures 
for future generations. I am proud to represent the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts and congratulate its legislature for such a resolution.

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