Henry Waxman: “I agree with the intent of Mr. Gilman's amendment and support it. Indeed, the Kyoto Protocol will improve the national…”

“I agree with the intent of Mr. Gilman's amendment and support it. Indeed, the Kyoto Protocol will improve the national security of the United States by reducing the risk of catastrophic climate change, which would create upheaval and unrest throughout the world, including the potential for millions of environmental refugees. Furthermore, measures to implement the Kyoto Protocol can improve our security by reducing our dependence on imported oil through improved energy efficiency and increased reliance on domestic renewable energy resources. At the same time, the Administration has issued clear policy guidance assuring that implementation of the Kyoto Protocol will not impair or adversely affect the training or operation and maintenance of the United States Armed Forces. I am concerned, however, that the Amendment as drafted could be ambiguous. The Department of Defense was a leader in reducing the use of ozone depleting substances and has received awards for its efforts from the Environmental Protection Agency. In recent years DoD has made great strides in increasing energy efficiency in military housing. it has also invested in technologies, such as fuel cells, that could improve military effectiveness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I am supporting the amendment because I do not believe it prevents DoD from pursuing these valuable goals. I urge the chairman to work with the Department of Defense to clarify this language in conference committee.”