SWEC Briefs–Calls Needed
June 25, 2009
Calls needed to your representative before Friday!
Action needed on important bill to address global warming
Climate change is already having an impact on our wildlife and communities — and without urgent action, things will get worse, according to a White House report issued last week (see report here <http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/download-the-report> ). Fortunately, Congress is poised to take an important first step in addressing climate change — lending a much-needed hand to polar bears and other wildlife that are already feeling the heat.
The House of Representatives will soon vote on the American Clean Energy & Security Act — the first comprehensive bill to address global warming to come before a House vote. This important legislation will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are warming our world AND take vital steps to protect our wildlife and wild places that are already threatened by climate change. For more information about this bill, see the attached letter from conservation organizations.
A vote could happen this Friday!
Call your Representative today and urge support for the American Clean Energy and Security Act sponsored by Reps. Waxman and Markey (HR 2454).
In New Mexico:
Rep. Harry Teague (very important—Teague is a swing vote!)
In DC: (202) 225-2365
In Las Cruces: (575) 522-3908
Rep. Martin Heinrich
In DC: (202) 225-6316
Rep. Ben Lujan
In DC: (202) 225-6190
Everywhere: House of Representatives switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Our wildlife — and our planet — can’t afford to wait.
Background:
Last week, the U.S. Global Change Research Program released a long-awaited, comprehensive scientific assessment of climate change impacts in the United States. It presents the first nationwide snapshot of our vulnerability to climate change since 2001 and represents the best available climate science in the United States. The report makes it clear that the Southwest is already seeing global warming impacts, including the most rapid warming in the nation, declines in spring snowpack, and decreased water in our rivers. Taking action to address climate change now will have a big impact on New Mexico’s future, keeping future warming to only about 5 degrees F and reducing impacts on water supply.
Thanks for taking action!
Border photo show continues at SWEC
The collection of stunning photographs documenting life in the borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico continues on display at the Cottonwood Gallery in the Southwest Environmental Center. On loan from the International League of Conservation Photographers, the 30 photograph exhibit entitled /Continental Divide: Borderlands, Wildlife, People and the WALL/, shows the diversity of wildlife, cultures and communities that exists in the fragile borderlands, but is now jeopardized by the 630 miles of pedestrian and vehicle fencing dividing the U.S. from Mexico. The exhibit is cosponsored by the Center for Latin American and Border Studies at New Mexico State University, and City of Artists Promotional Association. It will be on display until July 15 with a possible extension.
–
Kevin Bixby, Executive Director
Southwest Environmental Center
275 North Downtown Mall
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-5552 (575) 526-7733 fax
www.wildmesquite.org <http://www.wildmesquite.org>
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