Congressional Statements

Pallone points to India's actions in Earth Day message

Press Release
April 4, 2000

As observations of the 30th anniversary of Earth Day get under way, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-NJ, cited the recently concluded Indo-U.S. agreement on clean energy as a model for international cooperation in addressing the worldwide threat of climate change.

In a statement today in the House of Representatives, Pallone noted that one of the major utilities in his home state of New Jersey, PSEG, is on the verge of signing a public-private partnership with the Indian government. This partnership will promote clean energy technologies and help India avoid the pollution that the U.S. and other nations have experienced alongside their industrial development.

While noting that India is currently one of the world's largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pallone said, "I am encouraged, however, because the U.S. And India signed a landmark agreement to promote cooperation in the areas of clean energy and climate change, in ways that will help India's economy grow in an environmentally sustainable manner. This will reduce air pollution, diminish health risks, and preserve India's ecosystems and natural beauty."

"As part of this agreement, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the U.S. Energy Association have launched a Green Business Center to foster business development in one of India's most high-tech regions on a more sustainable path," Pallone continued.

"The U.S. will help India use less energy and improve its environmental quality. And, India will not sacrifice its economic growth. In fact, its local businesses will conserve energy and improve their bottom lines."

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the business and environmental communities, Members of Congress, the Administration, and our Indian colleagues to reduce the threat of global climate change, develop alternative forms of energy for the industrial, transportation, building and utility sectors, and better protect our environment for the current and future generations."

Pallone - who took part in President Clinton's recent trip to India which included a signing ceremony at Agra on clean energy - organized an Earth Day kickoff event today on Capitol Hill featuring U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, EPA Administrator Carol Browner, Members of the House and Senate, and representatives from major U.S. environmental organizations.

"Today, we are kicking off the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Earth Day," Pallone said. "This year we are celebrating April as Earth Month, with April 22 as the day that is actually Earth Day. And, the theme of Earth Day this year is the problem of global climate change and clean energy solutions.

"The threats of climate change are very real. The past decade has seen some of the largest temperature increases on record. The impacts of climate change could include more extreme weather events, sea level rise, erosion, changes in rainfall patterns, increases in disease epidemics, and changes in agricultural production. Even if we act now, it will take many years to reverse the trend of increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases."

The agreement signed at Agra will lead to the creation of a binational group that will focus on clean energy policy and projects, commercial development of clean energy technologies, and enhanced cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.