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   "It has become readily apparent that climate change is real and potentially irreversible if we don't begin to address it soon," Senator Blanche Lincoln said. "The burden that we will pass on to future generations grows larger each day that we fail to take action. As we move forward with this legislation, I will continue to work with my colleagues to find a solution to climate change while developing mechanisms within this bill to ensure that our economy remains strong and consumers, particularly in rural areas, are protected from unreasonable rate increases." 

   Leading Arkansas officials, agricultural and business leaders, conservationists and others congratulated Lincoln for her leadership in introducing ambitious legislation to address global warming. Senator Lincoln's bill, the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007, is co-sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AR), Barack Obama (D-IL), Joseph Lieberman (I/D-CT) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME). 

   "Senator Lincoln is taking the ambitious approach that's needed to get the country started in addressing global warming," said Don Richardson, director of the Arkansas Climate Awareness Project. "It will take this kind of leadership from our elected officials at all levels of government to put in place real solutions to global warming.” 

  “We have likely presidential candidates from both parties and Congressional leaders from states with very different economies stepping forward to say that we can stop global warming," Richardson continued. "A majority of the Senate is in favor of mandatory action to reduce global warming pollution, and Senator Lincoln's leadership will get Arkansas and the country into action." 

   Global warming has not escaped the attention of several Arkansas residents either. Hal Hunnicutt, former commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission pointed out other negative effects of global warming, specifically for Arkansas. 

   "Global warming puts Arkansas tourism at risk," Hunnicutt said. "If temperatures continue to increase and we have less ducks migrating south, people will hunt somewhere besides Arkansas.  Global warming isn't just about protecting the environment; it's about protecting our economy." 

   "Addressing global warming will create opportunities for rural communities as the demand for new biofuels and carbon sequestration increases.  Senator Lincoln continues to be a champion for farmers by seeing the potential incentives for agriculture in stopping global warming," said Larry Owens, a farmer in St. Francis County. 

   Corbet Lamkin, member of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, and Larry Coleman, retired University of Arkansas Little Rock physics professor both agreed that Arkansans need to take action against global warming and commended Senator Lincoln on her efforts. 

   "If left unchecked global warming will have serious impacts on Arkansas and our future generations," Lamkin said.  "Tackling global warming will take strong leadership, and Senator Lincoln has proven she's up for the challenge." 

   "Last year was the hottest year on record and scientists agree that global warming is a contributing factor," Coleman said. "We must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions if we are going to seriously address global warming.  Senator Lincoln should be commended for her leadership role on this important issue." 

   The Arkansas Climate Awareness Project (ARCAP) is a broad-based, nonpartisan effort to inform Arkansans about how global warming threatens our state and how we can actually gain economically from seriously addressing the problem.  Visit www.arclimate.org for more information or contact Richardson at 501-745-8266 (office) or 501-592-1391 (cell).

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