Vote “no” on Senator Murkowski’s amendment to HJ. RES. 45
Dear Senator Stabenow,
I am writing to urge you to oppose an amendment by Senator Lisa Murkowski to the debt limit bill (HJ. RES. 45) which would undermine the Clean Air Act, one of the most successful laws ever passed to control dangerous air pollution. Since its passage in 1970 the Clean Air Act has been essential to protecting Americans' health across the country. The Murkowski amendment would stop the EPA from protecting Americans from global warming pollution by limiting its ability to take action to control greenhouse gases as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This is a highly political move, and a highly hazardous one to our health and the environment.
At 14.6%, Michigan is currently experiencing its highest unemployment level since 1983, and is the highest in the nation. A recent study indicates that, while overall job growth in Michigan was -3.7%, growth in clean energy technology jobs was 10.7%.
Scientists agree that we must have real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions now to avert the worst health impacts posed by climate change. The Murkowski Amendment would improperly reject this sound science that is the basis of EPA's Endangerment Finding. Please vote NO on Senator Murkowski's amendment, which will derail progress on controlling global warming pollution and strip the effectiveness of the Clean Air Act.
According to Senate Majority Leader Reid, "Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman have taken a lead in trying to craft a framework that would get more than 60 votes. But if Senator Murkowski's effort "succeeds, it could keep Congress from working constructively in a bipartisan manner to pass clean energy legislation this year."
For the sake of our economy, our public health, and our environment, I encourage you vote to defeat this misguided amendment.
Thank You-
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