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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Erickson Announces Legislation to Direct PA Response to Global Warming Bipartisan effort will inventory greenhouse gas emissions, identify green economic opportunities. Harrisburg – State Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) today joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to announce legislation to direct Pennsylvania's response to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. Senator Erickson was joined by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-166), other lawmakers and environmental advocates concerned about climate change caused by global warming and the adverse impact it could have on Pennsylvania's environment, health and economy. "Other states are taking steps to identify how much they are contributing to the global warming problem, and are developing plans to be part of the solution. There is no reason why Pennsylvania should not do the same," said Erickson, vice chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Senator Erickson and Representative Vitali are introducing identical bills in their respective chambers to take a comprehensive approach to the problem. The bills would create a stakeholders group to advise the state on global warming issues and identify green economic opportunities in Pennsylvania. The measures would also require the state to take an annual inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions; require the state to develop and publish a global warming impact statement for Pennsylvania; and require the state to develop its own greenhouse gas action plan. Pennsylvania produces an estimated 1 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. The state has yet to develop a plan of action for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, something many other states have already done, including New York and New Jersey. "This will begin to allow business development in Pennsylvania that creates both jobs and a sustainable environment," said Erickson, a former Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "It's the next great opportunity for the American economy, and I believe Pennsylvania should strive to be a leader, and not play catch-up. The information and direction these bills will provide, if enacted, is essential to achieving that goal." CONTACT: Tom Golden
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