Number: 2007-05
WHEREAS, climate change is a serious long-term threat to the health of our planet, a fact universally accepted by the scientific community; and
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions are the primary contributor to climate change; and
WHEREAS, the United States, with only 5% of the world’s population, is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions in the United States originate primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels, including petroleum; and
WHEREAS, the United States consumes more petroleum than it does any other fuel resource; and
WHEREAS, the United States depends on foreign imports for 60% of its annual petroleum consumption; and
WHEREAS, much of this “foreign oil” is imported from politically unstable areas of the globe, exacerbating national security issues; and
WHEREAS, the petroleum industry and other fossil fuel industries have profited from a variety of government subsidies encouraging exploration and development of these resources; and
WHEREAS, improving energy efficiency and shifting to renewable energy resources are crucial in efforts to reduce the effects of climate change and promote national security; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would shift fossil fuel industry subsidies to renewable, non-carbon fuels;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 30-31, 2007, in Washington, D.C., urges Congress and the administration to enact legislation that shifts subsidies from conventional fossil fuel energy technologies, and provides tax credits and incentives that:
1) encourage research and development and use of energy efficiency technologies and practices; and 2) encourage research and development and use of renewable technologies that have low impacts on wildlife and habitat where needed to meet increases in energy demand; and 3) encourage energy conservation and demand management practices; and 4) mitigate the potential economic impacts on low- to moderate-income families of the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.