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Climate change and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative were the focus of the Delaware chapter of The Nature Conservancy’s second annual Legislative Luncheon held March 12, in Dover. Guest speaker Bill Stanley, The Nature Conservancy’s director of global climate change, discussed the effects of climate change on Delaware’s environment and suggested proposals to reduce carbon emissions through upcoming Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative legislation supported by the Delaware chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
Guests included members of the Delaware General Assembly, trustees and friends of Delaware Nature Conservancy, state environmental officials and policy makers, and industry stakeholders.
“Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative gives us an opportunity to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases such as CO2 in Delaware and support climate change adaptation projects,” said Roger Jones, chapter director. “Our goal for these annual luncheons is to share information on our legislative priorities with members of the General Assembly and our partners. We are excited to have Bill Stanley talk to us this year.”
Stanley outlined major activities that produce the culprit emissions. He both assured and challenged the audience when he said, “We have a good handle on what is causing climate change, and need to make some tough choices now to protect ourselves and future generations.”
His recommendations for reducing global warming included reforestation, restoration and conservation of natural habitats, and reduction of energy consumption. He cited the positive effects of the work of The Nature Conservancy conservation field staff and applauded Delaware for its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
In concluding the luncheon program at the Lobby House in Dover, Jones emphasized the conservancy’s strong support for passage of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative legislation in Delaware before the end of this legislative session. He further delineated the Delaware chapter’s support for several specific provisions of that legislation, including 100 percent auction of carbon emission allowances and investing the proceeds to fund renewable energy development, conservation and energy efficiency. Jones also advocated that 10 percent of the revenue be invested in climate change adaptation projects which would include an allocation to create a permanent $5 million per year funding stream for the Delaware Forestland Preservation Program.
For more information, contact Jones at 302-654-4707, Ext. 126; or email rjones@tnc.org.
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