Dear Editor,
I want to thank Sen. Jason Holsman for his recent article on Global Warming (Re: “Clean Energy: Tomorrow’s challenge calls for action today, Sep. 27th). Sen Holsman is correct, Global warming poses a serious risk for Missouri.
On Sept 22nd, the Center for American Progress reported that between 2005 and 2015, FEMA issued more than $67 billion in grants to assist communities and individuals devastated by extreme weather and wildfires. The heating of our earth is causing extreme weather to be the ‘new normal’.
This is about more than just money, the changing climate a has a severe impact on public health as well.
Over the past ten years, the number of annual emergency department visits for children with asthma has increased by about 15,000 in Missouri. This number has increased as more pollution from dirty energy enters our atmosphere. How can we survive without clean air?
Missouri needs more renewable energy. Moving towards renewable energy will protect our state’s economy and help curb the dangerous effects of global warming.
Sen. Holsman has marked himself as leader of climate action. In order to move Missouri away from dirty and dangerous forms of energy, we need other politicians to follow in his footsteps. Specifically, we need other politicians to come out in support of the Clean Power Plan– our country’s strongest hope in combating global warming.
Gov. Jay Nixon has made steps to move Missouri towards renewable energy, including his recent endorsement of the Grain Belt Express Clean Line. Nixon can continue to stand up for climate action by vocally supporting President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.
Together, Nixon and Holsman lead in our fight for sustainability. Together, we can prevent future climate catastrophes
Taylor Hale
Campaign Organizer with Environment Missouri
