Environmental Defense Calls Passage of NC Global Warming Act a 'Huge Milestone'

(July 7, 2005 - Raleigh, NC) Environmental Defense today applauded the NC House of Representatives for its overwhelming 78-29 vote on the NC Global Warming Act.  In May the NC Senate gave a ringing endorsement to the Act with a 44-6 vote.  The Act will create a North Carolina Global Warming Commission charged with debating and proposing a pollution reduction goal and with making recommendations on the impacts and economic opportunities related to climate change.  North Carolina is the first state in the Southeast to take significant action to address global warming.

“State lawmakers did their homework and learned that the time to address global warming is right now, not years from now,” said Michael Shore, senior air policy analyst with Environmental Defense.  “This vote is a huge milestone in protecting public health and ensuring economic growth in North Carolina.  It puts North Carolina on a path to address potential public health impacts and take advantage of business opportunities that will result from reducing global warming pollution.”

“Addressing global warming presents a substantial economic opportunity that could bring billions of dollars into the state annually.  The Act’s commission can help North Carolina businesses establish a competitive position in the worldwide, lower carbon economy.  At the top of the commission’s agenda should be proposing a scientifically based carbon reduction goal to help align the state’s economic and environmental objectives.”

“While Senators in Washington have finally recognized the need to act on global warming, North Carolina has shown that it intends to prepare its economy and citizens for the changes that global warming will bring,” said Shore.  “Environmental Defense commends Senator Albertson from the coast and Representative Haire from the mountains for their leadership in passage of this landmark legislation.”