BILL SEEKS INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Global climate change "represents a clear and present danger tothe security and economy of the United States," according to abipartisan bill introduced in the Senate yesterday, and ittherefore warrants the focused attention of U.S. intelligenceagencies."

For years, many of us have examined global warming as anenvironmental or economic issue," said Senator Dick Durbin(D-IL). "We also need to consider it as a security concern. Ourbill begins this process by requiring a National IntelligenceEstimate to assess the strategic challenges presented by theworld's changing climate.""

In this legislation, we ask for the intelligence community toprovide a strategic estimate of the risks posed by globalclimate change for countries or regions that are of particulareconomic or military significance to the United States or thatare at serious risk of humanitarian suffering," Senator Durbinsaid. "This NIE will assess the political, social,agricultural, and economic challenges for countries and theirlikely impact."

The new bill is jointly sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) andSen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

"Senator Durbin and I differ on policy initiatives designed toreduce the impact of climate change," said Sen. Hagel. "We doagree, however, on the need to assess potential impacts of thechanging climate on U.S. national security interests so that ourNation can develop responsible, forward-thinking policies thatensure the continued safety and prosperity of the Americanpeople."

See their March 28 introductory statements and the text of thenew bill (S. 1018) here: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2007_cr/s1018.html

Among the eleven "policy coordinating committees" at the NationalSecurity Council that were established by President Bush'sNational Security Presidential Directive 1 in February 2001 isone on "Global Environment." But this NSC committee has left noidentifiable public trace on U.S. policy.

U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News

U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News: "While gas-guzzling vehicles draw the most criticism, homes and businesses consume even more energy -- 40 percent of the U.S. total in 2005 versus 28 percent for transportation -- and provide the biggest potential for savings."

U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News

U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News

While gas-guzzling vehicles draw the most criticism, homes and businesses consume even more energy -- 40 percent of the U.S. total in 2005 versus 28 percent for transportation -- and provide the biggest potential for savings.

www.eco-labels.org | Consumers Union Guide to Environmental eco-labels / ecolabels

http://www.eco-labels.org/home.cfm

20 free ways to save energy

GreenerChoices.org 20 free ways to save energy: "Consumer Reports' 'Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs' is crammed with ways to cut your energy bills. Some take a little money and effort, such as weatherstripping your windows. Some take a little restraint, such as picking a sedan instead of an SUV. Others require investment, such as choosing the more-efficient refrigerator, even if the price tag is a bit higher. Of course, the best ways to save energy dollars are the ones that take no money and little or no effort. That's what you'll find in this excerpt--20 simple things you can do to start saving money right this minute, without having to reach for your wallet."

Recycling Hardware

GreenCitizen: Thinking globally and recycling locally - Computerworld Blogs: "When companies donate systems, monitors and other hardware to charities what happens to those items when the charity is done with them?
What is your company doing with all of it's old equipment?
What happens to the data on your company's old hard drives when they are recycled?"

What Government is Doing to Impact Climate Change

GreenerChoices.org Climate