Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) appreciates the efforts of senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) to craft legislation to address global warming but calls on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to make necessary improvements before passing the bill. The legislation, introduced today by Lieberman and Warner, is seen as a first step in implementing mandatory controls on greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide.

President Bush’s decision to skip the UN summit and his attempt to hijack the process for international climate negotiations demonstrates his administration’s continued failure to recognize the degree of urgency required to avoid dangerous global warming.

A report released today by the National Environmental Trust, Clear the Air, U.S. PIRG and Physicians for Social Responsibility demonstrates increased heat deaths because of global warming. As temperatures increase, the intensity and duration of heat waves and heat related events also should increase putting more and more Americans at risk.

On August 4, the House of Representatives passed a wide-ranging energy bill that marks a significant step forward toward reducing global warming and improving U.S. energy security. Passed by a vote of 241 to 172, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act sets new efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and buildings and offers incentives for the production of cellulosic ethanol and for the installation of E-85 ethanol gas pumps. The bill also provides tax breaks for the production and purchase of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The release of the Working Group II report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change bolsters the need for immediate action to address global warming. The summary, which focuses on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, is intended for the use of policy makers and lays out the ramifications for human health if we do not act to slow, stop and reverse global warming.

PSR is pleased the president acknowledges the energy crisis looming in this country and the challenges we face in addressing global warming. However, once again the president’s proposals are far short of the leadership we need in these areas.

In August, Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Senator John Warner (R-VA) announced their intention to write comprehensive climate legislation to reduce U.S. global warming emissions. While a handful of climate bills already have been introduced in the Senate in the 110th Congress, the Lieberman-Warner proposal is drawing attention because of its bipartisan approach. The test of a good climate bill is not its prospects for passage, but whether it will deliver the emission reductions necessary to avoid the most devastating impacts of global warming.

On Tuesday, October 23, PSR Executive Director Dr. Michael McCally testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee on the health effects of global warming. Drawing from the growing body of scientific evidence pointing to the likelihood of more intense heat waves, exacerbated air pollution and increased spread of pest and water borne diseases, Dr. McCally called global warming a “global health crisis.”