Dear John Shadegg:
In Arizona over the past couple of weeks we've endured record-breaking temperatures, at times four degrees higher than previous records. And those reports actually paint a more rosy picture than the real high temperatures we experience. Directly on the freeways during rush hour the temperatures are five degrees higher than what the weather reports indicate. Last week on the freeway it was 122 degrees during the afternoon rush hour. The true effect is huge. At this point I don't think anyone can claim in good faith that global warming is not happening. It is reality.
In Arizona we have already reached the point that ground level ozone is dangerously high for much of the summer, profoundly affecting the health of children and the elderly. As well we are prone to economic consequence as many businesses are not be able to cope with the rising demand for energy at a time when energy prices are also climbing. The time to act on a global level is now.
We need legislation to help fight global warming. Four years ago we had the landmark Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act sponsored by none other than our own Senator McCain. To date the Senate has supported the cap and trade program of this bill. But Congress has been strangely quiet on this essential issue. I ask that you encourage a national cap and trade program. This will direct the economic success of our nation as we enter a new era of change being brought about by global warming.
Thank you for your prompt action on this matter.
Sincerely,
Lorin Thwaits
(By the way, if protecting the environment is of interest to you, I would recommend checking out my previous post about the Greenland ice sheet.)