Whereas global climate change is agreed by most scientists to be real and occurring at a greater rate than thought five years ago; and
Whereas global climate change is widely agreed to be intensified by human actions resulting in increased emissions of greenhouse gases; and
Whereas the burning of fossil fuels is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions; and
Whereas the United States' extensive dependence on fossil fuels has led to war (Gulf War of 1990-91); and
Whereas fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource; and
Whereas increased demand for domestic fossil fuel has led to intense pressure to explore for oil in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the coastal plain; and
Whereas conservation measures can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels; and
Whereas renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and fuel cells are available and technologically feasible; and
Whereas renewable energy sources and conservation efforts rarely are associated with financial incentives, which would make them economically nonviable;
Now therefore be it resolved that the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Environment Council of RI (ECRI) encourage the President of the United States and the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide financial incentives for efforts aimed at the reduction of energy consumption in general; and
Further be it resolved NWF and ECRI encourage the President and US Congress to enact legislation to provide financial incentives for the implementation of renewable energy sources in place of fossil fuel consumption; and
Further be it resolved NWF and ECRI encourage the President and US Congress to enact legislation to provide resources for research and development of improved technology for the implementation of renewable energy.