    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 27, 1999]
    [Page 1610]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Action To Fight Global Climate Change
    September 27, 1999

        I commend the hundreds of mayors and other local officials across
    the country who today are committing themselves to the fight against
    global climate change. The communities they represent understand that
    the threat of global warming is real. They also understand that we can
    begin to address this threat through actions that both help our
    environment and save money for taxpayers, consumers, and businesses.
    Today's pledge will help encourage other communities across American to
    do their part to meet this global challenge.
        Regrettably, even as ordinary citizens, local leaders, and a growing
    number of leading corporations are taking action, many in Congress are
    ignoring the mounting evidence of global warming and thwarting
    commonsense efforts to address it. I urge Congress to fully fund my
    proposed package of investments to accelerate the deployment of clean
    energy technologies for the 21st century including the proposed clean
    air partnership fund, which will provide grants to State and local
    governments for projects that reduce both greenhouse gases and
    pollutants like soot, smog, and air toxics. Finally, I call on Congress
    to withdraw all appropriations riders aimed at strangling programs that
    save energy, save consumers and businesses money, and reduce global
    warming pollution.
        I look forward to working with local leaders to meet this pressing
    environmental challenge, and I applaud their leadership and dedication.