One local example is BP's $70 million expansion of its solar energy facility in Frederick, which is to add 70 more local jobs on top of the 80 it added last year. A select group of leading U.S. companies, including General Electric and Chevron, is even lobbying for federally-imposed caps on carbon dioxide emissions. The last time I checked, multinational companies such as these were not making multi-billion dollar investment decisions based on phony science. It is also of singular note when companies lobby for regulation, which in this case will help to level the playing field.
Climate change is not a liberal or conservative issue. It's not something made up by Al Gore for political advantage. It is an issue that affects us all. Fundamental changes in climate patterns will include hotter temperatures in many places, the melting of glaciers that will prompt severe water shortages and the melting of the polar caps that will cause ocean levels to rise. Changes in ocean current patterns also will cause some places to become cooler, oddly enough. All this will have a significant impact on people, wildlife and agriculture, not to mention real estate.
Our local skeptics need to remove their heads from the sand. That may become more difficult as the world's deserts expand, of course, so the extraction process needs to begin now. We all must work to cut down on our carbon emissions if there is to be any hope of a decent future for ourselves and our children. That means driving more fuel-efficient cars, driving less and making our houses more energy efficient - at the very least. Instead of wallowing in denial, we need to put our vaunted American ingenuity to work to meet these vital challenges.
Heidi Welsh
Boonsboro
God will handle global warming
To the editor:
After reading the profound commentary by George Michael of Williamsport entitled, "Honey, Maryland shrunk the car," I was disturbed by the overreaching of the Maryland House of Delegates with its passage of "The Maryland Clean Car Act," just recently. I fear that many in government are believing the fear-mongering tactics of environmentalist activists who are projecting a "sky is falling" mentality concerning global warming, championed by Al Gore and others.
While I'm totally against irresponsible littering and excessive air pollution, these clean-air activists are clearly way out in left field with their dire predictions of devastating climate change around the globe. The "earth people" are of the same mentality of "save the earth" evangelism.
I'm not denying global warming. However, I'm much more concerned about the irrational and unnecessary laws prohibiting certain levels of emissions that will raise the costs of vehicles that could eventually wreck the American economy with a fanatical scientific proposition.
Does anyone know that global warming is, indeed a reality on the planet Mars? To fellow citizens in government, George Michael says: Where is common sense on this issue of global warming that is so hyped up by Annapolis? I agree wholeheartedly with George Michael!
I'm sorry, Al Gore, but you are leading the American people down the wrong path. Our God is in control and he will take care of his creation!
Edgar M. Foltz Jr.
Greencastle, Pa.
