The Los Angeles Interfaith Environmental Council
...to repair, protect and preserve our environment

RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND CONGREGATIONS URGE SUPPORT
FOR AB 1058 – A BILL TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING

Dear Governor Davis and Members of the California State Legislature,

Please consider us to be in strong support of proposed legislation (AB 1058-Pavley) to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from motor vehicles in the State of California. The bill would instruct the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and adopt regulations, by January 1, 2004, that achieve the maximum feasible cost-effective reductions of CO2 emitted by passenger vehicles.

Recent scientific reports show that global warming is happening much more rapidly than initially thought, threatening human life and Creation as we know it. Global warming is already costing California dearly. In addition to increasing natural disasters, hotter temperatures continue to reduce crop productivity and make crops vulnerable to new pests and pathogens. At present course, California can expect expansion of deserts, severe stress on large areas of forest, persistent coastal flooding, severe drought and increased risk to human health.

Many of California’s rare and unique species will not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive the climate changes.

Increased temperatures will cause more smog and more storms that in turn carry acid rain and pollute our fresh water systems. Warmer ocean temperatures will result in loss of coastal fisheries and ocean productivity.

Other factors will likely exacerbate global warming’s impact on the state. An urbanized landscape is less able to cope with a shifting climate. Heavy development in coastal areas puts more people in harm’s way. Rapid loss of forestland depletes our carbon stores while further warming the climate.

Significant impacts to public health and the environment are projected as well. Global warming will exacerbate local air quality problems as higher temperatures lead to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone, resulting in respiratory illness and premature death. Communities of color and low-income populations may be affected disproportionately by both environmental and health impacts.

In a country that is the world’s most egregious contributor to climate change, California is second only to Texas in greenhouse gas emissions. We believe our state has the responsibility to be a part of the solution. AB 1058 is a good step forward.

We urge you to pass this bill into law as soon as possible.

With Peace,