“We can no longer ignore the fact that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and contributed to changes in the earth’s climate,” said Langevin, a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. “In Rhode Island, the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, are potentially disastrous. Beach erosion makes our communities more prone to flooding and endangers our tourism-based economy, while the destruction of wetlands would eradicate wildlife and reduce the natural buffer against storm surges.”

The Safe Climate Act would mandate major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with a goal of reaching 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. This bill will also support measures to advance renewable energy technologies capable of reducing emissions.

“Cutting greenhouse gas emissions will not only benefit our nation's economy through the development and use of new technologies, it will also reduce our dependence upon foreign oil,” continued Langevin.

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