Environmental Defense Fund Praises Clinton Climate Proposal

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today generally praised the Clinton Administration’s plan to seek $4 billion to address the threat of global warming. Reports published today stated that a significant increase in climate change-related spending and tax breaks will be part of the fiscal 2000 budget the President will send to Congress next month. The proposals are said to include a $200 million ‘clean air partnership fund,” $105 million for research into how agriculture and forests can offset greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide, $122 million for clean technology development, $1.4 billion for energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy programs, and an additional $1.4 billion in tax incentives to spur the development of new energy technologies that will reduce US reliance on fossil fuels.

“Programs that encourage businesses to take early action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution are programs that will protect our planet and our children’s future,” said EDF legislative director Steve Cochran. “The administration’s proposal complements bi-partisan efforts in the Senate, led by Sen. John Chafee, Sen. Joe Lieberman, and Sen. Connie Mack, to provide credit for voluntary actions that reduce greenhouse gases. These Senators and the Clinton Administration are demonstrating a willingness to work together toward meaningful, practical solutions to the climate challenge.”

“The administration’s package of tax incentives and technology investments combined with the Senate’s early reduction credit legislation are initial steps to a healthy environment and economy. The development of clean energy technology can clean America’s air and slow global warming at the same time,” said Cochran. “Today’s proposal is an important step, but will need to be linked with a more comprehensive program in the future.”

“Every ton of greenhouse gas pollution that is emitted into the atmosphere today will warm the Earth for decades,” said EDF atmospheric physicist Dr. Michael Oppenheimer. “Early reductions of greenhouse gases are critically needed to reduce the likelihood of disruptive global warming in the future. Action now to limit warming is the prudent thing to do.”