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Thank you. We are filing on behalf of the State of California
and we are seeking a control of carbon dioxide.
We want the EPA to make specific findings
about the generation of greenhouse gases as a part of International
shipping. In California, we are particularly affected by global
warming and by the extent of our coast. In addition,
because of the enactment of the California
Global Warming Solutions Act last year
and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.
substantially reducing greenhouse gases to the level of
1990. In order to really achieve
a 1990 level by 2020, we have to make sure the ships coming into
California also are compliant
and to achieve that goal, we are asking the EPA to take action under
the laws of California. International law does guarantee
a right of innocent passage for all ocean-going vessels but
this right doesn’t include the right to pollute the air or water
near our coastal cities here in California. If the United States
is to do its part in reducing the threat of global climate disruption,
then the Environmental Protection Agency
from ships that enter the ports of the United States.
The key issue here is to get the United
States taking the actions that it can. We have the greatest
amount of greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore,
I believe we have the responsibility to take the most forceful and creative action.
Certainly, International action is also required
but there is a harmony between State,
Federal and International Laws and today, we are focusing
on the capacity of our National Law, The Clean Air Act,
to effect change in terms of shipping
and the greenhouse gases that are generated
This is an extremely important initiative that I believe is going to wake up
the Congress. It is going to contribute internationally to achieving
the greenhouse gas reductions and I don’t think that
the EPA although may be reluctant initially, will persist
in this stonewalling efforts to get it to exercise
its full authority. I am very happy
to be hear representing California, a State that is really taking the lead
here and rightfully so, given the fact that global
warming is also affecting the Sierra Snow Pack,
a major source of our fresh water. That kind of
acceleration of melting of snow will
have impact on our levies, on agriculture
and we already see devastating forest fires throughout Southern California.
All of that will be exacerbated in addition to rising sea levels.
We have an interest, we have the capacity and
I can assure you that California will continue this effort
just as long as it takes to get solid
and effective action by the Environmental Protection Agency.