Global Warming

[Lamar Smith-SAC]

Global Warming

One of the issues that Congressman Lamar Smith is dealing with is global climate change (Global Warming). Global warming has been a huge issue for many years. In 1992, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) asked all industrialized countries to stabilize their emissions. This was not a binding law, but was a request that all industries try their best to stop their emissions from getting to our atmosphere. In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was formed by the UNFCCC. This said that all major industrialized nations must reduce the emissions from their factories. In March 2001, the Bush administration rejected the Kyoto Protocol and formed a new law in 2002 to reduce emission intensity. In February 2005 the Kyoto Protocol was forced on all nations who were in party with it. The United States is a party of UNFCCC, but not of the Kyoto Protocol. In May 2006, all United States Industries were told that it was mandatory that all factories follow the limit of emissions. The only exception was that factories that would significantly harm U.S. economy would not have to follow exact guidelines.

Congressman Lamar Smith believes that the earth has undergone tremendous changes. He also stated that it is all of our responsibilities to improve the way we live. Lamar Smith has also introduced two bills. The “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006.” Which states that instead of the U.S. depending on foreign oil, the U.S. could promote electric hybrid vehicles, or other advanced technology to reduce national dependence on other countries. Lamar Smith has also introduced “Solar Utilization Now (SUN) Act of 2006. This bill states that the Secretary of Energy should have a demonstration program. Lamar Smith aims to make us more independent. He also said that legislation alone cannot fix the problem. Everyone individually should also help.

Works Cited

Smith, Lamar. "Issues & Legislations." Congressman Lamar Smith 21st District of Texas. 05 Oct.-Nov. 2007 <http://lamarsmith.house.gov/Issues.aspx?Section=157>.

Justus, John R., and Susan R. Fletcher. "Global Climate Change." 12 May 2006. 05 Nov. 2007 <http://lamarsmith.house.gov/media/pdfs/CRS_Global_Warming.pdf>.

Written by:Ashley Shepard

[Cristina Blangiardo]

We are definitely to blame for the part of our global warming crisis, but their is so much we can do to help. As individuals we can just tweak our everyday lives to help our environment. It would be in our best interest to create our own source of energy/oil, instead of relying on other. This will make us so much more independent, Thanks to people like Lamar Smith.

[Brandon Cruz]

I agree with and support the fact that he wants to make us a more independent nation by trying to convert into electric automobiles, I also take into consideration that he suggests that it is not only congresses responsibility to take control, I to feel that the American people should lend a hand.

[hconklin]

Thank you, Congressman Smith, for sharing this information regarding the Global Warming problem. I appreciate your view that each individual should assume responsibility for contributing to the solution. I admire your position of wanting the US to be more independent.