Letter To Senators Specter And Santorum Concerning Their Opposition To Global Warming Bill

October 30, 2003

Dear Senator:

Clean Air Council is extremely disappointed with your vote against the Climate Stewardship Act (S. 139).

Your inaction on this issue ignores the serious threat that global warming currently poses to Pennsylvania's economy. Many of the Commonwealth's leading industries stand to suffer substantially from weather unpredictability. That's why both the National Farmers Union and the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association supported the Climate Stewardship Act.

Your vote also puts Pennsylvanians' health at risk from the extreme weather, smog pollution and exotic disease associated with global warming. The World Meteorological Organization has linked recent increases in extreme weather to global warming-over $364 million was spent addressing this problem in Pennsylvania last year. More disturbing still, scientists at the World Health Organization estimate that global warming is already claiming 160,000 lives on an annual basis. The time to address this issue is long past due.

The health of your constituents and the health of Pennsylvania's economy both demand that you reassess your position on global warming. If my staff can be of any assistance in helping to analyze this important issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(215) 567-4004 x223.

Sincerely,

Joseph Otis Minott, Esq.
Executive Director