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News & Views item - November 2008 |
Union of Concerned Scientists Issues Its Statement Regarding Senator Barack Obama Becoming U.S. President Elect. (November 5, 2008)
The
Union of Concerned Scientists is poised and ready to do what we do best: use top
notch science and analysis to help Congress and the new administration craft the
most effective policy solutions--actions that will make our world cleaner and
safer while strengthening our economy and enhancing our national security we
will:
:: Take bold action to put the brakes on global warming by working with
President-elect Obama and the new Congress to implement strong emissions
reductions that are in line with what the scientific community has deemed
necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming. We'll also work to
realize the new administration's commitments to invest $150 billion in
alternative energy over 10 years--revitalizing our economy and strengthening our
national security; further increase vehicle fuel economy standards; and reengage
the United States in international climate negotiations.
:: Work toward a world free of nuclear weapons by working to extend the
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia before it expires next year, finally
end the Pentagon's wrong-headed plans for a new generation of nuclear weapons,
build Congressional support for long-overdue ratification of the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty, and halt further development of an unproven missile defense
system in Eastern Europe.
:: Restore scientific integrity in government by working with the new
administration and Congress to guarantee federal scientists' freedom to publicly
communicate their findings, publish their work, disclose misrepresentation and
censorship, and have their work evaluated by peers--all without fear of
retribution.
Even with a supportive president, we still have our work cut out for us. With
uncertainty on Wall Street, automakers and those in the oil and coal industries
are already playing the politics of fear, hoping to delay action on many fronts.
We know from experience that we cannot underestimate the power of entrenched
corporate interests and the legislators who support them. This is a moment of
enormous opportunity, but real change doesn't just happen. We must work hard to
ensure the important groundwork we have laid becomes reality.
Together with your support, we are ready to make real change. Let's get to it.
Sincerely,
Kevin Knobloch
President