SC Environmental Groups to Host News Conference on Climate/National Security Issues

Friday, May 29th
11 AM
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
Veterans Park, Columbia
(Washington & Gadsden Street)

Rain Standby site: SC League of Conservation Office, 701 Whaley St., Columbia

Last week in Washington, DC, the House Energy & Commerce Committee reported out the American Clean Energy and Security Act, sweeping climate legislation that sets mandatory caps on global warming pollution. The centerpiece of the legislation seeks to reduce American greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. Further action in the House is expected this summer.

This kind of legislation will pose new opportunities for American industry and new opportunities and challenges for our larger national foreign and military policies.

The military is a vitally important part of the Midlands community, home to Ft. Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base.

SC Sen. Phil Leventis (D-Sumter, Lee) and SC Rep. James Smith (D-Richland) will discuss aspects of this federal action for American energy independence going forward in conjunction with area veterans and a host of state environmental organizations. Sen. Leventis is a retired ANG general, fighter pilot and decorated veteran. Rep. Smith is a captain in the SCARNG, who returned last year from service in Afghanistan.

Environmental organizations represented Friday include SC Audubon, SC League of Conservation Voters, Pew Environment Group, Carolina Climate Network, the SC Nature Conservancy and SC Wildlife Federation.