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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22nd, 2009
IOWA CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE MIKE DENKLAU COMMENDS VIGOROUS PROTECTION OF U.S. ENERGY INTERESTS AND GOAL SETTING FOR MAJOR GLOBAL POLLUTERS AT COPENHAGEN
Council Bluffs, IA – December 22, 2009 – Mike Denklau, Democratic candidate for Congress in Iowa’s 5th District, offered the following statement on the agreement in principle by the United States with the terms of the Copenhagen Accord of December 18, 2009 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Mike Denklau commends President Obama and his negotiating team for its tough defense of U.S. energy interests in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen Accord announced by the United States and a group of key nations reflects a sensible first step for the most significant consumers of energy and the largest producers of pollution over the long term, especially China with its 1.3 billion consumers.
Democrats have a long record of working constructively to address domestic energy needs and the climate change challenge. Unfortunately, partisan members of Congress like Representative Steve King prefer no action in combating what the Department of Defense calls a serious national security threat. We must promote the use of existing energy conservation options, invest in research and development of energy efficiency technology, develop more efficient American cars and expand exploration of alternative fuels that could be produced in western Iowa. Mike Denklau’s energy policy statement shows his commitment to offer real leadership in Congress for the benefit of western Iowa in all of these areas.
Mike Denklau also appreciates the statement offered by Pope Benedict XVI before the Copenhagen summit began in which he expressed his hope that the participating nations would find a solution to balancing economic development with the common good value of climate protection.
As observed by Executive Director of the Sierra Club Carl Pope, the Copenhagen Accord is only the beginning of a new chapter in our national energy strategy to address the climate change challenge in a way that rejects Steve King’s do nothing approach to climate danger and local energy needs. The Copenhagen Accord offers a rare opportunity to keep energy costs in Iowa stable and promote creation of new 21st century jobs and industries while preserving our planet’s climate for future generations. Now is not the time to impose sudden, harsh new restrictions on the use of current energy resources. We must work with the international community to develop a treaty that commits all nations to firm and feasible emissions cuts. Any such treaty must contain transparency provisions for measurement, reporting and verification of compliance. Doing so is a national economic and environmental imperative. Following six years of inaction, obstruction and distraction on energy policy by Steve King, seizing these new opportunities requires fresh new leadership for the 5th District in Congress.
Independents, Republicans and Democrats across western Iowa can do better. Mike Denklau’s campaign urges 5th District Iowans interested in stronger energy policy representation in Congress to visit http://www.denklauforcongress.com or call today to join his campaign. Together western Iowans will make a difference next November.
Contact
Justin Petersen
Denklau for Congress
(712) 256-0742
justin.petersen@denklauforcongress.com
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