Energy policy called work in progress
Mayor part of debate at U. on global warming
A resolution asking government to develop and implement a program under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases was the topic of debate at the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law. Three participants discussed which governmental entity, if any, should take the helm.
"We have to provide that leadership worldwide," said Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, one of the three panel members at the 23rd Annual Jefferson B. Fordham Debate.
Anderson said the United States has a responsibility to initiate a solution to the problem of global warming.
Anderson, an environmental advocate, added that Americans don't fully understand the "real cost of energy," which is not just the amount for the power bill each month but "enormous costs" to the economy, to society and to the environment.
Arnold W. Reitze Jr., an environmental law professor at George Washington University, said the problem of global warming is evident but the need to oppress it is not immediately urgent.
"It would take centuries to reverse what has already occurred," he said, noting that what's done is done.
Bruce Yandle, dean of Clemson University's College of Business and Behavioral Science and a former economics professor, said that although America does not have a government-implemented policy regulating emissions, many states have taken the job into their own hands.
"Many states are directly involved in doing things to impact global warming," he said.
He said the fact that states are independently involved means progress is being made, despite the lack of a mandated federal policy.
E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com
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