U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver briefs local leaders at the Climate Change Forum
MARC News
Local leaders take part in Climate Change Forum
September 24, 2007
On Friday, Sept. 21, a discussion on advancing a regional agenda around climate change, energy policy and sustainability took place at the Mid-America Regional Council.
U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, a member of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, provided an update on what the committee has learned from its research and the plans it may propose in the coming months. Rep. Cleaver related several stories about what he and the other members of the congressional delegation saw during a recent trip to Greenland. He noted that the effects of climate change are extremely evident in that region, and are already having an impact in the daily lives of the people who live there. “We went out to watch icebergs melt,” Cleaver said, and mentioned that their hosts on the trip impressed upon the group how rapid a shift had taken place, pointing out that the boat they rode on throughout the icy waters could not have traveled through the same area years ago. With rising global temperatures, much of the ice which once prohibited vessels from reaching the area has melted away.
Cleaver also shared his observations about the committee’s visit to several European countries, noting that many governments there are already making significant policy shifts to address environmental issues. Concepts such as an carbon tax and a “cap-and-trade” system to limit emissions via issued permits are some of the ideas they are actively exploring to encourage companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Cleaver spoke of the need for U.S. lawmakers to examine similar policies, as these sorts of systems are the way the global marketplace will likely move in the future.
On a local level, the forum’s attendees shared what steps are being taken in the Kansas City region to address these issues. This information was presented so he can share local experiences with his colleagues in Congress.
Civic leaders and government officials from numerous cities and organizations throughout the region spoke about successes such as increased “green building” in community construction projects that are environmentally friendly and financially beneficial practices such as the use of reclaimed or recycled materials and installing energy-efficient lighting.
The group also discussed obstacles the region faces in encouraging the public to make more ecologically informed choices. One of the biggest issues is transportation – while the use of alternative fuels such as E-85 ethanol are encouraged, very few service stations in the region currently offer the product to the public. Ongoing conversations regarding a light rail plan will also play a large role in how cities in the Kansas City area provide alternative public transportation.
The meeting concluded with local leaders pledging to continue their efforts to make area communities more sustainable and explore new ways to encourage the public to adopt environmentally sound habits in their everyday activities to help combat climate change.
The city of Kansas City, Mo., recently adopted a climate change plan, “Progress Report on Climate Protection and Phase 1 Recommendations,” which is available online at http://www.kcmo.org/manager/OEQ/cpp-progress.pdf.
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