Global Climate Change
Contact your Senators now, by phone or by email, and tell them to strengthen and pass S. 2191, as well as to oppose weakening amendments. Tell them that global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world.Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world. With the U.S. Senate expected to take up legislation this spring, now is the time to let your Senators know that they should support strong action to control global warming.
Recent scientific studies show that global warming is already causing environmental changes that will have significant global economic and social impacts. America's Climate Security Act, S. 2191, sponsored by Senators Lieberman and Warner, will establish the basic framework that is necessary to curtail the pollution that is causing climate change.
S. 2191 is a good first step. The bill establishes a "cap and trade" system that will, if properly carried out, achieve two essential goals: cutting green-house gas emissions enough to prevent the worst impacts of global climate change, and doing so in an economically efficient manner. The "cap" sets a limit on allowable emissions from electric power, transportation and manufacturing sources that will decline over time to meet the pollution-reduction goal. The "trading" system sets up a market that allows sources to buy, sell, borrow and trade emission allowances so reductions can be achieved in the most cost-effective ways.
However, the legislation should be strengthened in two ways. First, the bill should ensure that pollution reduction goals are consistent with the best scientific analyses. Currently, the legislation does not achieve all the reductions that will likely be needed, and advances in scientific knowledge may later indicate a need for quicker or greater reductions. Second, the auction system should be expanded to include more emissions earlier in the process. This will both speed compliance and increase the economic efficiency of the program.
Tell your Senators to oppose weakening amendments, particularly loopholes that undermine the emissions cap through such mechanisms as a so-called "safety valve" that would allow sources to purchase unlimited emission allowances.
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Health Care Reform The League believes that quality, affordable health care should be available to all U.S. residents. Other U.S. health care policy goals should include the equitable distribution of services, efficient and economical delivery of care, advancement of medical research and technology, and a reasonable total national expenditure level for health care. Furthermore, the League believes that all Americans should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health), acute care, long-term care and mental health care.
National Level , State Level, Local
Natural Resources/Environmental Policy Promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management of natural resources in the public interest by recognizing the interrelationships of air quality, energy, land use, waste management, and water resources. Promote high water quality standards through monitoring, watershed protection regulation, basin-wide water re- source planning, coastal water resource protection, and equitable financing.
National Level, State Level
Election and Campaign Finance Reform The cost of political advertising has skyrocketed in the past two decades and has played a major role in driving up the expense of political campaigns. In 2002, candidates, parties and issue groups spent approximately $1 billion on political ads. Escalating campaign costs drive out potential candidates and require those running for office to spend too much time raising money, too often from special interests.
National Level, State Level
"Tax Reform The League believes that the federal tax system, taken as a whole, should be progressive, not proportional. Federal fiscal policy, according to the League, should provide for adequate and flexible funding of federal government programs through an equitable tax system that is progressive overall and that relies primarily on a broad-based income tax; responsible deficit policies; and a federal role in providing mandatory, universal, old-age, survivors, disability and health insurance.
National Level, State Level
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- LWVUS and LWVNC for complete League national and state policies and issues.
- LWVODC On-line Citizen Guide for list of all of your government representatives and their contact information.
The LWV-ODC Annual Meeting will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Extraordinary Ventures Facility, 200 S. Elliott Dr., Chapel Hill.
Prior to the business meeting, Dawn Shamp, author of "On Account of Conspicuous Women: A Novel", will read excerpts from her book, which concerns social change for some Southern women in Person County, NC in the 1920's. Her book will be available for purchase at the meeting.
After Ms. Shamp's reading, Judi Burke, President, LWV-NC, will present to Ms. Shamp the LWV's "Making Democracy Work Award" for her accomplishments in renewing appreciation of the Suffragists' achievement in gaining the right to vote for women and in organizing on-site voter registration at each of her book readings.
Following these activities, light refreshments will be available prior to the business meeting.
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