Pa. can lead efforts to prevent climate change

I read with interest the Post-Gazette Nov. 29 article, “Pa. Must Act Now on Climate Change, Senate Panel Told,” about a hearing sponsored by the state Senate Democratic Policy Committee at the IBEW Local No. 5 assembly room on the South Side. Activists and scientists alike emphasized the dangers of climate change, as evidenced by the recently released 4th National Climate Assessment.

State Sens. Lisa Boscola and Jay Costa were quoted favoring statewide efforts to address climate change.

Two quotes from the article stood out to me in particular. Ms. Boscola, chair of the committee that organized the meeting, was quoted as saying: “We need to cut non-renewable energy usage to zero by 2050.”

While Mr. Costa said: “…in the absence of federal action, the state must continue to participate and provide leadership in ‘cooperative efforts to stave off the catastrophic consequences of global warming.’”

On paper, it would appear that these two senators are climate advocates, when in reality they are falling short. Just one question, when will Ms. Boscola and Mr. Costa join the 16 state senators who cosponsored bipartisan Senate Bill 1140, introduced in April, which sets a goal for Pennsylvania to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy by 2050?

Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead the nation in state efforts to protect us from climate change devastation. Please contact your legislators and encourage them to be accountable for public statements supporting climate change legislation by signing onto this bill when it is reintroduced next year.

MARY ZUCCARO

Carnegie