Open Letter...to Congressman Lance

Dear Congressman Leonard Lance,

   Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to ask you several questions about your position on Climate Change at your town hall meeting in Long Hill, on August 20, 2013.   You have expressed that your current impasse is based on your concern that China and India won’t enact restrictions of their own. But now those two countries in which you based your concerns are changing the tone of their conversation and their position. China will introduce control on its carbon pollution by 2016. In fact, China leaders, Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang since they took office in March 2013 are forging efforts to control carbon emissions, since they want to rebalance their economy with clean energy such as technology and services.  When we look into India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests released a report of 20 initiatives to address climate change domestically.  These initiatives aim to reduce India’s annual emissions by 11%. The initiatives also include series of mandated standards such as: vehicles, buildings and appliances.

  But those countries have bigger populations with more levels of poverty than US.   US should lead the movement of climate change.  US is considered a developed country and we can not deny the fact that our unsustainable patterns of production and consumption since the end of the 19th century have caused climate change.  Why you are against taking responsibility and lead by example? 

    You once vehemently supported a cap-and-trade bill to fight climate change, and now you are against it. WHY you are AGAINST a bill that encourages limit on emissions as well as creates a market for carbon allowances?  On Jan. 1, 2013 California already started enforcing a cap-and-trade law that’s the first of its kind in the United States.

       Businesses receive allowances for emissions and then must purchase credits for any greenhouse gases that are over the allowance.  The model has two approaches to carbon reduction: it encourages businesses to use less energy and it also promotes the purchase of clean energy and more efficient equipment for those that would not otherwise have the opportunity to do.  A model where the prices of the certificates are regulated will avoid the struggles Europe is experiencing now.

    Last but not least, it is imperative to allocate more state and federal FUNDING to develop alternative energy savings programs, clean energy, technology, and renewable resources. Even though I do not anticipate an individual response from you, I will be paying attention at the tone of your conversation about Climate Change and your leadership in the Energy Committee you serve as well.

Truly yours,

Maria Santiago-Valentin

Organizing for Action- Union County- Climate Change Team Member

Climate Reality Project Leadership Corps Trainee on July 2013