President-elect Obama Signals He Will Restore American Leadership on Global Warming

by Jake Schmidt

At a global warming summit convened today in California, President-elect Obama signaled that he will make addressing global warming the high priority it deserves. In the video statement telecast (here) to summit attendees from around the US and the world he stated:

"Few challenges facing America -- and the world -- are more urgent than combating climate change...My presidency will mark a new chapter in America's leadership on climate change..."

As NRDC President Frances Beinecke stated in response:

"President-elect Obama's vow to begin 'a new chapter in America's leadership on climate change' demonstrates both his leadership and the priority he places on attacking this threat to our environment, our economy and our energy security. His call for federal cap legislation as his second major policy announcement sends a signal to the country and the world that the U. S. will act promptly to combat this triple threat. This shows that President-Elect Obama understands that the fastest, best way to turn our economy around, create jobs and solve the climate crisis is to spur investment in our clean energy future."

And with the next international climate negotiation set to occur in Poland in just under two weeks, he also signaled that he will restore America's leadership in international global warming negotiations. Continued...

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