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Missing From the Debate
“Global warming”: Two words you did not hear during the recent debate between Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls Eliot Spitzer and Tom Suozzi. Of course no one could expect that every issue would be covered during the one-hour debate hosted by New York City cable channel NY 1. Indeed, many issues were not covered. No one asked about the state’s sky-high auto insurance premiums, second only to New Jersey. No one asked about the rising cost of higher education. No one asked about campaign financing or redistricting reforms. Obviously, not all questions could be asked. But it is reasonable to expect that the most important questions would get asked. And it’s hard to argue that global warming should be off the list. After all, global warming is changing the planet. Moreover, the burning of fossil fuels is not only the top environmental issue facing the planet, but the problems of the Middle East are exacerbated by oil money. It is a global problem. It is an issue that should be at the top of the national agenda. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has chosen to ignore the problem, so state decision-makers have to step into the policy vacuum. New York State is facing serious problems resulting from the failure of policies to curb global warming. New Yorkers living in coastal areas are having a harder time obtaining insurance due to concerns about larger storms generated by climate change. Upstate lakes still suffer from acid rain. Fish cannot be eaten if they are caught in many lakes due to high mercury levels – which are the direct result of power plant emissions. And asthma levels are high too. Beyond the environmental and health concerns, there are the security concerns. The nation’s reliance on foreign oil contributes to the threat posed by terrorists. And big power plants are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Clearly, these issues should be at the top of the agenda for any new governor. Yet no questions were asked. New Yorkers should demand that gubernatorial candidates present their policies on these issues. What energy sources will they encourage? Alternative energy sources such as wind and solar, or nuclear power? Will they support policies that encourage the use of mass transit and fuel-efficient automobiles? How will they monitor the impact of air pollution on New Yorkers’ health and the state’s environment? How will they ensure that the public is adequately involved in these important decisions? The response to the threat posed by global warming will determine the quality of life for the world. The new governor must advance an aggressive agenda that not only curbs the state’s contribution to global warming, but also provides a role model for the rest of the nation.
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