Published on Friday, December 7, 2001 in the Toronto Globe & Mail 
Our Best Point the Way
On the 100th anniversary of the Nobel prize, 100 Nobel laureates warn that
our security hangs on environmental and social reform
 
 
The most profound danger to world peace in the coming years will stem not
from the irrational acts of states or individuals but from the legitimate
demands of the world's dispossessed. Of these poor and disenfranchised, the
majority live a marginal existence in equatorial climates. Global warming,
not of their making but originating with the wealthy few, will affect their
fragile ecologies most. Their situation will be desperate and manifestly
unjust.

 
 
 It cannot be expected, therefore, that in all cases they will be content to
await the beneficence of the rich. If then we permit the devastating power of
modern weaponry to spread through this combustible human landscape, we invite
a conflagration that can engulf both rich and poor. The only hope for the
future lies in co-operative international action, legitimized by democracy.

It is time to turn our backs on the unilateral search for security, in which
we seek to shelter behind walls. Instead, we must persist in the quest for
united action to counter both global warming and a weaponized world.

These twin goals will constitute vital components of stability as we move
toward the wider degree of social justice that alone gives hope of peace.

Some of the needed legal instruments are already at hand, such as the
Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Convention on Climate Change, the
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. As
concerned citizens, we urge all governments to commit to these goals that
constitute steps on the way to replacement of war by law.

To survive in the world we have transformed, we must learn to think in a new
way. As never before, the future of each depends on the good of all.

THE SIGNATORIES
Zhohres I. Alferov Physics, 2000
Sidney Altman Chemistry, 1989
Philip W. Anderson Physics, 1977
Oscar Arias Sanchez Peace, 1987
J. Georg Bednorz Physics, 1987
Bishop Carlos F.X. Belo Peace, 1996
Baruj Benacerraf Physiology/Medicine, 1980
Hans A. Bethe Physics, 1967
James W. Black Physiology/Medicine, 1988
Guenter Blobel Physiology/Medicine, 1999
Nicolaas Bloembergen Physics, 1981
Norman E. Boriaug Peace, 1970
Paul D. Boyer Chemistry, 1997
Bertram N. Brockhouse Physic, 1994
Herbert C. Brown Chemistry, 1979
Georges Charpak Physics, 1992
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji Physics, 1997
John W. Cornforth Chemistry, 1975
Francis H. Crick Physiology/Medicine, 1962
James W. Cronin Physics, 1980
Paul J. Crutzen Chemistry, 1995
Robert F. Curl Chemistry, 1996
His Holiness The Dalai Lama Peace, 1989
Johann Deisenhofer Chemistry, 1988
Peter C. Doherty Physiology/Medicine, 1996
Manfred Eigen Chemistry, 1967
Richard R. Ernst Chemistry, 1991
Leo Esaki Physics, 1973
Edmond H. Fischer Physiology/Medicine, 1992
Val L. Fitch Physics, 1980
Dario Fo Literature, 1997
Robert F. Furchgott Physiology/Medicine, 1998
Walter Gilbert Chemistry, 1980
Sheldon L. Glashow Physics, 1979
Mikhail S. Gorbachev Peace, 1990
Nadine Gordimer Literature, 1991
Paul Greengard Physiology/Medicine, 2000
Roger Guillemin Physiology/Medicine, 1977
Herbert A. Hauptman Chemistry, 1985
Dudley R. Herschbach Chemistry, 1986
Antony Hewish Physics, 1974
Roald Hoffman Chemistry, 1981
Gerardus 't Hooft Physics, 1999
David H. Hubel Physiology/Medicine, 1981
Robert Huber Chemistry, 1988
Francois Jacob Physiology/Medicine, 1975
Brian D. Josephson Physics, 1973
Jerome Karle Chemistry, 1985
Wolfgang Ketterle Physics, 2001
H. Gobind Khorana Physiology/Medicine, 1968
Lawrence R. Klein Economics, 1980
Klaus von Klitzing Physics, 1985
Aaron Klug Chemistry, 1982
Walter Kohn Chemistry, 1998
Herbert Kroemer Physics, 2000
Harold Kroto Chemistry, 1996
Willis E. Lamb Physics, 1955
Leon M. Lederman Physics, 1988
Yuan T. Lee Chemistry, 1986
Jean-Marie Lehn Chemistry, 1987
Rita Levi-Montalcini Physiology/Medicine, 1986
William N. Lipscomb Chemistry, 1976
Alan G. MacDiarmid Chemistry, 2000
Daniel L. McFadden Economics, 2000
César Milstein Physiology/Medicine, 1984
Franco Modigliani Economics, 1985
Rudolf L. Moessbauer Physics, 1961
Mario J. Molina Chemistry, 1995
Ben R. Mottelson Physics, 1975
Ferid Murad Physiology/Medicine, 1998
Erwin Neher Physiology/Medicine, 1991
Marshall W. Nirenberg Physiology/Medicine, 1968
Joseph E. Murray Physiology/Medicine, 1990
Paul M. Nurse Physiology/Medicine, 2001
Max F. Perutz Chemistry, 1962
William D. Phillips Physics, 1997
John C. Polanyi Chemistry, 1986
Ilya Prigogine Chemistry, 1977
Burton Richter Physics, 1976
Heinrich Rohrer Physics, 1987
Joseph Rotblat Peace, 1995
Carlo Rubbia Physics, 1984
Bert Sakmann Physiology/Medicine, 1991
Frederick Sanger Chemistry, 1958; 1980
José Saramago Literature, 1998
J. Robert Schrieffer Physics, 1972
Melvin Schwartz Physics, 1988
K. Barry Sharpless Chemistry, 2001
Richard E. Smalley Chemistry, 1996
Jack Steinberger Physics, 1988
Joseph E. Stiglitz Economics, 2001
Horst L. Stormer Physics, 1998
Henry Taube Chemistry, 1983
Joseph H. Taylor Jr. Physics, 1993
Susumu Tonegawa Physiology/Medicine, 1997
Charles H. Townes Physics, 1964
Daniel T. Tsui Physics, 1998
Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu Peace, 1984
John Vane Physiology/Medicine, 1982
John E. Walker Chemistry, 1997
Eric F. Wieschaus Physiology/Medicine, 1982
Jody Williams Peace, 1997
Robert W. Wilson Physics, 1978
Ahmed H. Zewail Chemistry, 1999

###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 5, 2001
2:02 PM
 CONTACT:  US Public Interest Research Group
Anna Aurilio, Elizabeth Hitchcock (202) 546-9707
 
 
 
Statement Of Anna Aurilio, Legislative Director, On The Daschle-Bingaman
Energy Legislation
  
WASHINGTON - December 5 - "America deserves a safe, clean, affordable energy
future. We can reduce our reliance on oil from unstable places and secure our
energy future by using America's technological know-how to develop newer,
cleaner sources of energy like solar and wind, and by making our cars, homes
and appliances more energy efficient. While the Daschle - Bingaman
legislation is a far cry over H.R. 4, the dirty and dangerous energy bill
passed by the House, it is too soon to tell whether it will deliver a truly
smarter, cleaner energy future for America. The good news is that, unlike the
House bill, the Daschle-Bingaman energy legislation does not pillage the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other sensitive areas. We applaud them
for this. The bad news is that the bill contains increased subsidies for the
polluting nuclear, coal and oil industries and is silent on several important
measures that guarantee a smarter, cleaner energy future for America.
To secure a new energy future for America, the Senate bill must be improved
in the following ways:

Energy Efficiency -- While we applaud the appliance efficiency measures and
the energy efficiency research funding authorized by the Senate bill, the
efficiency provisions of the bill are incomplete. The Daschle-Bingaman bill
so far contains only "placeholders" for critical measure such as significant
increases in auto fuel economy. The bill also does not yet include crucial
energy efficiency tax incentives. According to a recent report by the
National Academy of Sciences, each automaker could produce a fleet of cars
and light trucks that averages 40 miles per gallon (mpg) using
cost-effective, existing technology. Raising fuel efficiency standards for
new cars, SUVs, and other light trucks to an average of 40 miles per gallon
would save more than current imports from the Persian Gulf and the projected
yield from the Arctic Refuge, combined by 2020. If these Senators are serious
about reducing dependence on foreign oil, saving consumers money at the gas
pump and reducing global warming pollution, they must add increased vehicle
fuel economy standards and other energy efficiency incentives to this bill.

Renewable Energy -- We also applaud the increased renewable energy funding
and the inclusion of a renewable energy standard in the Daschle-Bingaman
bill. However, the renewable energy standard requires only half of the
renewable energy generation deemed cost-effective by the Bush Energy
Information Administration. Increasing efficiency and diversifying our energy
sources will make our energy infrastructure more resilient and less
vulnerable to disruption. Clean, renewable energy such as wind, geothermal
and solar energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive, and can help
protect consumers against fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Senators Daschle
and Bingaman should increase the renewable standards so that 20% of our power
comes from clean renewable sources, by 2020.

Nuclear Subsidies -- We are disappointed to see that this legislation
authorizes wasteful nuclear research programs and indefinitely re-authorizes
the unfair subsidy to Department of Energy nuclear contractors known as the
Price Anderson Act. Under current law, the Act indemnifies DOE contractors
from public liability in case of a nuclear accident. This means that
taxpayers would pay damages to the public in case of a nuclear accident
caused by a contractor, even in cases where the contractor was grossly
negligent. To add insult to injury, this legislation extends Price Anderson
coverage indefinitely, instead of allowing Congress to renew the Act every
fifteen years. It's time for the nuclear industry to stand on its own two
feet and be held accountable for wrongdoing. Price Anderson should not be
re-authorized.

We urge Senators Daschle and Bingaman to improve this legislation to ensure
that Americans can enjoy a smarter, cleaner energy future.

U.S PIRG is the national lobby office for the state Public Interest Research
Groups. State PIRGs are non-profit nonpartisan public interest advocacy
organizations active across the country.

###
 
   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 5, 2001
12:12 PM
 CONTACT:  Sierra Club
David Willett, 202-675-6698
 
 
 
Daschle Energy Bill Starts America on the Right Path 
  
WASHINGTON - December 5 - The Sierra Club commends Senate Majority Leader Tom
Daschle (D-SD) for crafting an energy bill that -- in stark contrast to the
bill passed by the House -- is based on the premise that the best way to
ensure our energy security is through higher fuel economy standards and
greater use of renewable energy such as wind and solar power. While the
package begins to stake out a path to a safer, more secure energy future,
there is more that must be done and there are elements of the bill that we
urge the Senate to improve.
"House Republicans might think we can meet our energy needs by drilling our
public lands while magically protecting the environment, but this isn't Harry
Potter," said Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. "Senator
Daschle's bill sets the framework for the real-world solutions that will
provide energy while protecting our environment at the same time.

"Senator Daschle recognizes that reducing our oil dependence and improving
energy security can be achieved while protecting our precious public lands,
including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The bill also acknowledges
that our energy policy is directly linked to global warming, and addresses
the problem by including provisions that will begin to curb global warming
pollution," Pope continued.

Although details are forthcoming, the bill recognizes that improving fuel
economy is the single most effective step that we can take to reduce our
dependence on oil, save consumers money, and cut global warming pollution.

While the package begins to stake out a path to a safer, cleaner, and cheaper
energy future, there is much more that must be done. Some of the toughest
decisions remain to be resolved. For example, still to be determined are how
much fuel economy standards will be raised, and what tax incentives will be
provided for clean energy technology. This bill is moving in the right
direction on renewable energy -- requiring that 10 percent of our power be
generated by renewable energy sources by the year 2020 -- but more can and
must be done. A goal of 20 percent by 2020 is achievable and needed.

Of concern is that the bill continues to give huge subsidies to the dangerous
nuclear industry. The Senate must make sure the final bill does not include
subsidies to either the nuclear or coal industries.

"Senator Daschle's bill recognizes that the best way to reduce America's
dependence on oil, coal, and nuclear energy is to reduce demand for them in
the first place," continued Pope. "While the bill is not without its flaws,
it establishes a framework on which America can build a secure energy future.
We look forward to working with the Senate to deliver on its promise of an
energy future for America that is cleaner, cheaper, safer and more secure."

###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 4, 2001
1:11 PM
 CONTACT:  Bluewater Network
415.788.3666, Elisa Lynch, x136, Christine Corwin, x156
 
 
 
Global Warming Hot Topic in San Jose
Scientists, Businesses, Policy Makers, and Environmentalists to Discuss State
Leadership to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  
SAN JOSE, CA - December 4 - This week the topic of global warming is heating
up in San Jose. Tuesday night the San Jose City Council considers a
resolution to support a landmark State bill to regulate greenhouse gas
pollution. Wednesday night, a town hall meeting brings together business
leaders, government officials, scientists, environmentalists, and concerned
citizens to discuss global warming impacts and California’s opportunity to be
a national leader in the effort to reduce our global warming footprint.
Speakers at the event include prominent climate change scientist Stephen
Schneider and global warming and transportation policy VIP Rod Diridon.
With agreement that global warming is one of the most pressing environmental
issue of our time, the main focus of the town hall meeting will be actions
California can take to become a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas
pollution.

"The good news is that there are many cost-effective and sensible things we
can do to slow global warming and provide benefits at the same time — like
decoupling our dependence on foreign oil, reducing health-damaging air
pollution and conserving wildlife. Finding win-win solutions should be our
focus," says Stanford scientist Stephen Schneider.

Government leadership on global warming is critical to combating the problem.
Tuesday night the San Jose City Council will vote on a resolution to support
California Assembly Bill 1058 (Pavley, D-Woodland Hills), which would for the
first time in US history require the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions
from passenger vehicles. The bill is sponsored by Bluewater Network and
supported by all five South Bay Congressional delegates and over 60
environmental, public health, and business groups.

"With this bill, California can show the rest of the nation that it is
possible to protect the environment while maintaining a sound economy," said
San Jose City Council member Linda LeZotte.

"Continued global warming is going to undermine the State’s long history of
environmental victories. By tackling the problem now, California has a real
chance to prove again that protecting the environment can stimulate
opportunity and economic growth," said Russell Long, Executive Director of
Bluewater Network.

The town hall meeting is sponsored by Bluewater Network, Silicon Valley
Manufacturing Group, California League of Conservation Voters, and the Loma
Prieta Sierra Club Chapter. It takes place Wednesday, December 5, 6:00 PM –
8:00 PM San Jose City Hall Council Chambers, 801 N. First Street, San Jose.

###
 
 

  
   FAIR USE NOTICE  
  This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always
been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such
material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,
political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice
issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted
material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In
accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is
distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in
receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For
more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If
you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own
that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright
owner.