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For Immediate Release
Climate Security Act debate sets the stage for next Congress
Strong Senate support demonstrates commitment to action on global warming
WASHINGTON – Today’s vote by the Senate on the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 3036) likely spells an end to efforts to pass major global warming legislation in the 110th Congress. However, the vigorous debate and strong support from both sides of the aisle for this bill have laid the groundwork for successful passage early in the next Congress.
The cloture motion, which would have ended efforts to block progress on the Climate Security Act, was supported by a majority of Senators, either through their votes or through letters submitted for the record in support of the vote. In all, 54 Senators spoke up for the need to advance serious legislation on global warming.
The following is a statement by Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife:
“Senate consideration of the Climate Security Act was a huge step forward in America’s efforts to address the urgent and complex challenge of global warming. We thank Senator Boxer, Senator Reid, Senator Warner, and Senator Lieberman for their leadership on this legislation. Today, 10 ‘climate converts’ – Senators who have consistently opposed global warming cap-and-trade bills – instead voted to move forward on the Climate Security Act, while just 36 Senators opposed the global warming bill.
“This was a stronger climate bill than Congress has previously debated, and it represents progress in our nation’s commitment to tackle global warming emissions, and to help reduce the worst effects that global warming will have on people, natural resources and wildlife.
“I am pleased that the Climate Security Act included the detailed policy direction and necessary investment to reduce the increasing harm global warming is already causing wildlife and the natural resources base that sustains us all.
“Of course, we are disappointed in the Senators who have stood in the way of progress on global warming. Congress needs to take swift and strong action – future generations are depending on it.”
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Learn more about what Defenders is doing to fight global warming.
Defenders of Wildlife is
dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural
communities. With more than 1 million members
and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative
solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
