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Rep. Jim McDermott May 21, 2009 
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the proposed endangerment findings for greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. As the congressman who represents Seattle in the U.S. House of Representatives, I applaud your decision to hold this important hearing in Seattle. As you will learn, we are national leaders in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by promoting energy efficiency and the production of electricity from renewable means, including wind and solar technology. One need only look out the windows of this conference center to enjoy Elliot Bay, and the Olympic Mountains to understand why we have a strong sense of connection and reliance to the environment upon which we rely. We know today that Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Hydro-fluoro-carbons, along with the other greenhouse gasses, contribute substantially to global climate change. We also know that the United States has a leading role and responsibility in reducing emissions. That’s clear in the proposed endangerment finding from the Environmental Protection Agency. It is a critical first step towards recognizing that we are a major contributor to climate change; the effects of which will have an irreversible and negative impact on our economy, national security, and way of life. But it’s more than that. American inaction or lack of leadership will doom billions of people into living a life of abject poverty. Although climate change is a global occurrence its effects will be felt most severely by those least able to cope. Over a billion people live today on a dollar a day in poor countries. These people depend on natural resources, predictable weather conditions, and subsistence farming, and their circumstances provide virtually no ability to adapt to climate changes. From the river economies of Bangladesh, to the island communities in Southeast Asia, global warming would produce global extreme poverty. For decades we have seen the warning signs; yet failed to adequately act. Our oceans, long seen as a catch basin for absorbing excess carbon, are acidifying; endangering the entire ocean ecosystem, from crustaceans to corals. Furthermore, prolonged droughts, more intense storms, changing weather patterns, melting glaciers, and increasing sea levels are, and will continue to threaten or destroy the world around us. Only by taking bold and coordinated action will we have any chance of stopping further environmental destruction and preserving our world for future generations. This coordination needs to include every American community, but also an international accord to reduce so-called GHG emissions. The EPA proposal is a good place to start. Over 23 percent of all US greenhouse gasses are emitted by mobile sources, meaning passenger cars, light duty trucks, other trucks, buses, and motorcycles. The transportations sector’s contributions to GHGs are substantial and can be curbed through the widespread implementation of existing technology, coupled with new technology and innovation. It is once again the time for America to emerge as a global leader in environmental stewardship. We can do so in a way that positions American technology and know-how in ways that will create and sustain jobs throughout a new century of American prosperity. We are at a crossroads. Through the windows in this room we look out upon a world we cherish and want to protect. But climate change threatens all of this. Our window for action is before us and let us not forget that the future of our city, our country and our world is up to us. Thank you.
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