From Congressman Adam Smith

January 3, 2007

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about global warming. 
I agree this is one of the most important challenges facing our
generation.  Please allow me to explain what I have done to
address this issue.

First, I co-sponsored the Safe Climate Act (HR 5642 in the 109th
Congress), introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) on June 20,
2006.  Since irreversible global warming may occur if global
temperatures increase by more than 3.6°F, this bill sets greenhouse
gas emissions targets that aim to keep temperatures below this
point.  Under this proposal, the level of emissions is frozen in 2010
and then gradually reduced each year through 2050.  The bill
achieves these targets through a flexible economy-wide cap-and-
trade program for greenhouse gas emissions, along with measures
to advance technology and reduce emissions through renewable
energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner cars.

The targets freeze U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 at the
2009 levels.  Beginning in 2011, they cut emissions by roughly 2%
per year, reaching 1990 emissions levels by 2020.  After 2020,
they cut emissions by roughly 5% per year.  The end result is that
by 2050, emissions will be 80% lower than in 1990.  I believe this
is the type of decisive legislation we need to ensure future
generations are not left with a legacy of irreversible ecological
decline.  I believe that incremental targets like those in this bill are
predictable, require steady progress and do not allow for
procrastination.  As a member of the International Relations
Committee, please be assured I will do everything possible to
move this important legislation forward when it is re-introduced
this year.  I also sent a letter last year to outgoing International
Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) calling for a
hearing on global warming.

Second, I am a longtime supporter of increased federal fuel
efficiency standards.  In the 109th Congress, I was a co-sponsor of
HR 3762, which would require a corporate average fuel economy
(CAFE) standard of 33 miles per gallon by 2015.  It would also
create a CAFE credit trading program to allow a manufacturer that
exceeds fuel economy standards to sell credits to another
manufacturer.  Please be assured I believe this is important
legislation and will work to support its passage should it be re-
introduced this year.

I support an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
(CAFE) standards because we can make a dramatic impact on
American consumption of foreign oil if we do so.  I also believe
we can improve fuel economy without sacrificing safety.  Safety is
a question of design, not weight.  According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large SUVs are
at least twice as likely to roll over than other types of passenger
vehicles.  Credible studies have shown that a CAFE standard
increase, so long as it is implemented over time and not
dramatically thrust upon the industry, can be done without
sacrificing safety.

It is also worth noting that other countries -- which have gas prices
that are far higher than ours -- will be eager markets for more fuel-
efficient cars, and I believe that an American car industry that
builds more technologically advanced cars that use less gasoline
will find millions of consumers in other countries wanting to buy
them.   I see increasing CAFE standards as one of the most
patriotic, pro-American things we can do: it will lessen our
dependence on foreign oil and make our car industry more
competitive overseas. 

Third, I support investments in energy efficiency and renewable
energy technologies that will reduce our dependence on fossil
fuels.  I was an original co-sponsor of the New Apollo Energy Act
(HR 2828 in the 109th Congress), introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee
(D-WA).  Provisions include an oil savings section, which requires
the president to use existing authority to reduce domestic daily oil
consumption.  HR 2828 provides tax incentives for investments
made in the structures and equipment necessary to produce fuel-
efficient cars, alternative motor vehicles and high-capacity, super-
efficient airplanes in the United States.  It also creates incentives
for investments made in the structures and equipment necessary to
produce the new energy technologies in the United States, such as
windmills, solar panels and energy efficient appliances. 

I also co-sponsored legislation from Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
called the PROGRESS Act (HR 5965 in the 109th Congress).  This
bill recognizes that achieving energy independence is critical to
America's national, economic and environmental security - and
that to make progress toward that end, we must initiate a major
national effort to make substantial gains in technology,
conservation and vehicle efficiency, and the use of alternative
fuels.

You may be interested to know I also signed a letter to President
Bush asking that he allow government scientists to publish their
findings on climate change without interference from political
appointees.  It is critical that lawmakers have access to unbiased
scientific evidence and analysis in order to craft appropriate
policies.

Please be assured I believe we must craft an aggressive and
forward-thinking response to the challenge of climate change.  I
hope I have clearly explained the actions I have taken to combat
global warming and ensure the wellbeing of future generations. 
Should you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns,
please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Adam Smith
Member of Congress