Local Businesses Meet with Senator Claire McCaskill to Discuss Economic Impacts of Climate Change

Kansas City, Missouri - Local Business owners from the Business Alliance for a Sustainable Economy met with Corey Dillon from Senator Claire McCaskill’s office this week to discuss the need for Congressional action on climate / clean energy issues.
By: Big Vision Media Group
 
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Aug. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- "As a citizen, a mother, and a professional it is a privilege to support legislative efforts that will help mobilize change in our businesses, community and environment at-large. " — Sara Greenwood, Greenwood Consulting Group, LLC

Kansas City, Missouri - Local Business owners from the Business Alliance for a Sustainable Economy - Kansas City met with Corey Dillon from Senator Claire McCaskill’s office this week to discuss the need for Congressional action on climate and clean energy issues. Representing a variety of business interests and backgrounds, the group discussed the adverse effects of climate change on local business and urged the Senator to push Congress to take action.

The companies noted that climate change poses a serious threat to American businesses.  The risks are many; disruptions to supply chains, increasing insurance premiums, structural damage from extreme weather events and rising energy and health care costs. The challenge is especially acute for small businesses, which have fewer resources to undertake disaster recovery planning and to bounce back from a hurricane. According to polling by the American Sustainable Business Council, majorities of small business owners want government action to reduce greenhouse gases and increase energy efficiency. For example, 72% of small business owners support government incentives and investment to encourage renewable energy.

There are currently several pieces of legislation that stand to address climate change.. The ShaheenPortman Energy Efficiency Bill would improve energy efficiency requirements in building codes and institute efficiency guidelines for the federal government, without adding to the deficit. The Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act, would expand investment and tax advantages to include clean energy projects. MLPs are a type of legal structure that offers great benefit to investors, but are currently only available to fossil fuel projects. Another issue is the National Renewable Energy Standard (RES) that would require the country to produce a certain percentage of its energy form renewable sources by a specified date. Currently, 38 states have similar standards. A national version would greatly reduce the country's carbon footprint and expand the green energy market, leading to job creation.

"We have to get the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act through to level the playing field with fossil fuels.  This legislation will also facilitate private investment in renewable energy." - Kevin Browne, YourStateID

The meeting in Kansas City was one of several ASBC organized around the country during the August Congressional Recess. The hope is that the Senators will take this business perspective back to Washington, when they return on September 9. With so many legislative opportunities sitting in queue, this Congress has the chance to take real action on climate change.

"Legislative action for addressing climate change is a necessary step toward improving our ability to care for humanity, our economy and the environment. It is inevitable that we will rely on renewable energy solutions for an increasingly energy-hungry world. Our dependency on non-renewable resources is unsustainable. As business owners, we need systemic support to open up industry innovation and job creation sooner, not later." — Pam Hausner, Big Vision Media Group LLC

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The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 165,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. For more information, visithttp:// www.asbcouncil.org.

BASE KC was represented by:

Pam Hausner, Big Vision Media Group LLC

Big Vision Media Group LLC helps advance companies in ways that create deep connections with their customers while building a sustainable brand. We use the newest research and tools to develop lasting relationships built on intrinsic human values. For more info, visit http://bigvisionmediagroup.com

Melvin Brooks, Give Back KC Office Solutions
Give Back KC Office Solutions’ goal reaches beyond providing the best quality office products at a competitive price.  We invest in the community by supporting six Kansas City area not-for-profits and are committed to a strong economic future for Kansas City. For more information, visit http://givebackkc.com.

Sara Greenwood, Greenwood Consulting Group, LLC
The Greenwood Consulting Group, LLC provides sustainability consulting services to building projects pursuing various green building rating systems, climate services and green business initiatives. Our team has over 12 years of experience and clients worldwide.

Kevin Browne, Your State ID
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Source:Big Vision Media Group
Email:***@bigvisionmediagroup.com Email Verified
Tags:Business, Sustainability, Climate Change, Policy, Kansas City
Industry:Business, Environment
Location:Kansas City - Missouri - United States
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