May 3, 2016
Dear Congressman Jones,
First, thank you for your position against off shore drilling. Those of us living in your district would have little reward and all the risk if drilling were to occur. Thanks for standing with the citizens on this one.
Similarly, we face, or at least our children and grandchildren face, incrementally more risk due to climate change. We live in low country and are more exposed to sea level rise. Our homes are more exposed to the stronger storms that come with a hotter planet.
Any reasonable evaluation of these issues on a national security, scientific or moral basis will conclude that serious action is needed to combat the damage occurring to our climate. The United States DOD says climate change is a threat multiplier. No one is more supportive of our men and women in the military than you are. Climate change incrementally exposes the forces of Camp Lejeune as well as others to conflicts around the world to protect ourselves and our allies.
I do not know how you feel about our moral obligation to protect the earth. I do know you are a man of faith, and it is hard for me to conclude that we do not have an obligation to protect this place we have been given to live. I suspect you agree.
Thirteen of your Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives have signed House Resolution 424. The resolution does not offer a solution, but it states that manmade climate change is happening and will be devastating unless it is addressed. It offers the needed forum for conversation and the development of a legislative solution.
My request is that you join your thirteen colleagues and sign this resolution and begin to develop the legislation that District 3 needs to meet this threat. Just as you have garnered many friends by your position on off shore drilling, your will garner many more by taking this stand.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Ken Jobe