global warming & energy - actions & Solutions
- Overview
- Events
- Actions & Solutions: reduce your footprint, encourage federal action
- Information
- Links
what you can do
- SIGN UP for Montana Audubon's Global Warming Action Alert Network
We promise not to overwhelm your in-box. For our low-tech sign up, email amy@mtaudubon.org and ask to be added to the list.
SIGN UP for National Audubon Society's GET ACTIVE E-activist program.
Take the Audubon Pledge to help solve global warming.
- CALCULATE your Carbon Footprint and then REDUCE it!
There are many web sites set up to do calculate your footprint - some are better than others. Here are 3 different calculators - try each one and compare!
US EPA -- The Nature Conservancy -- The Earth Day Footprint Quiz
Montana Audubon's 10 ways to reduce you carbon footprint - download HERE >>
National Audubon Society's Sustainability Best Practices - download HERE >>
Why Bother? Read Michael Pollen's answer... Link HERE >>
USE and then RECYCLE CFL light bulbs. May 2008. ACE Hardware stores in Montana will accept CFLs for recycle (avoid mercury pollution). Read more HERE >>
- ENCOURAGE ACTION at the federal level: We absolutely need federal legislation to reduce global warming pollutants and the time is NOW. Scientists say we need to reduce greenhouse gases at least 80% by the year 2050. The Montana congressional delegation is key to the passage of a strong bill - don't hesitate to contact them with your concerns. Sign up for our email list above, and we will provide key messaging points just when it matters.
Senator Jon Tester: 202-224-2644 or toll free 1-866-554-4403
Senator Max Baucus: 202-224-2651 or toll free 1-800-332-6106
Representative Denny Rehberg: 202-225-3211
GLOBAL WARMING LEGISLATION:
BREAKING NEWS May 25, 2008. Senator Boxer (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, just last week released a new version of the Climate Security Act (originally drafted by Senators Lieberman and Warner). This bill is coming to the Senate Floor June 2nd - the first time global warming legislation has ever made it to the full Senate floor. We need to let our Senators know we support global warming legislation and want a strong, science-based bill.
TAKE ACTION HERE >>.
For a 2 page fact sheet on this new version of the Climate Security Act link HERE >>
In Oct. 2007 the Lieberman-Warner "America's Climate Security Act" S2191 was introduced in the Senate, and this bi-partisan bill has passed out of committee. We continue t0 work to ensure this bill is as strong as possible.
You can read the basics - hot off the press April 2008 - HERE
You can read a more detailed legislative fact sheet HERE.
And compare this legislation to other proposed national legislation HERE.
On October 24, Max Baucus testified before the Environment and Public Works Senate subcommittee that he intends to support this legislation. Thank you Max!
ENERGY POLICY
We need continued progress on a new direction in energy policy. For a good summary, link to this April 30, 2008 opinion in the New York Times.
December 19 2007. ENERGY POLICY ACT PASSED! The bill, also known as the the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 is now law. Thanks to all who wrote letters and called Montana's congressional delegation. Montanans have every reason to be proud of our Senators who voted pro-environment on each of the three votes! Please send them a note of thanks. (Cong. Dennis Rehberg voted against the Energy Bill every time this year.)
Montana Audubon and many other conservation leaders worked hard to help pass this legislation. We worked to develop and then signed on with others in the State to send our Congressional Delegation our ideas: Montana Principles for a New Energy Policy. See also the Nov. 20th press release.
What does this bill have to offer?
- After over 30 years, The U.S. will finally increase mandatory vehicle mileage standards - these "CAFE" standards will increase mileage to 35 mpg by 2020. These standards will save consumers money at the pumps and help decrease global warming pollution.
- New goals for renewable fuel production
- Increased energy efficiency requirements for appliances and federal and commercial buildings and require faster approval of federal energy efficiency standards.
- The end to the incandescent light bulb!
What was left out in the final bill:
- Renewable Electricity Standard of 15% by 2020.
- Incentives for expansion of renewable energy sources like wind, solar and bio thermal clean energy mandate and
- A tax package reining in handouts for fossil fuels and promoting clean energy
- Oil and gas provisions which protect private land owners.
We were very close to getting the bill we all hoped for - the second vote on the bill missed the mark by one vote (thanks to Louisiana Deem. Sen. Mary Landrieu, an absent John McCain, and 40 Republicans voting no). This caused the nationwide Renewable Energy Standard and the repeal of lavish tax breaks to the big oil and gas industry granted in the 2005 Energy Bill to be stripped from the final bill. Ouch!
Here's a link to what happened to the bill, according to The New York Times.
For more information or to help contact Amy Cilimburg 406-465-1141
- After over 30 years, The U.S. will finally increase mandatory vehicle mileage standards - these "CAFE" standards will increase mileage to 35 mpg by 2020. These standards will save consumers money at the pumps and help decrease global warming pollution.