美國全國州長會議 決議基礎建設議題優先 | 環境資訊中心
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美國全國州長會議 決議基礎建設議題優先

2009年02月26日
摘譯自2009年2月23日ENS美國華府報導;王牧農編譯; 蔡麗伶審校

賓州州長為全國州長會議開幕 圖片提供: NGA2009年的美國全國州長協會(the National Governors Association)冬季會議以全世界最優良的金援基礎建設修復及升級範本收尾會議。州長們設立行動路線圖以呼應協會主席針對鞏固基礎建設及永續未來的倡議計劃。

全國州長協會主席採每年輪流制,主席的出任則由民主黨和共和黨隔年相互輪替,同樣的,每任主席選擇倡議以聚焦眾州長的力量。

2009年全國州長會議主席為賓州州長,民主黨黨員倫德爾(Ed Rendell)出任,並將焦點放在基礎建設的管理和發展新的基礎建設以提升經濟及環保的昌盛。

倫德爾表示,「投資不足和欠缺規劃的發展模式已造成全國的關注,其中包含交通壅塞,危險路橋,水資源供給及逐漸超過負荷的電能供應等,」「以確保我們國家在進化全球經濟的競爭及回應緊迫的能源和環境挑戰,我們不僅要維持還要提升並且改善我們的基礎建設。」

美國土木工程協會在1月份報告未來5年為達到基礎建設的最低應有標準,將需花費2.2兆美元在修復及升級工程。美國土木工程協會2009年對全國的基礎建設成績單平均評分為丁級,而針對基礎建設的15種類的分數評分皆不高過丙級。

州長倫德爾對基礎建設的關注於2008年1月經由非營利組織「建設美國未來」(Building America’s Future)聯盟而具體化,以招攬支持來監督聯邦履行與州開支承諾以履行美國基礎建設的需求。

在會議中州長们討論為提升可再生能源和緩衝溫室氣體排放的多項倡議計劃。之外,他們強調與歐巴馬政府協調行動已達成整合目的之重要性。

數位州長指出,具獨特複雜性的乾淨能源和氣候挑戰的議題將需要地方、州和聯邦不同層級的行動。

Infrastructure Takes a Front Seat at National Governors Meeting
WASHINGTON, DC, February 23, 2009 (ENS)

The National Governors Association 2009 Winter Meeting wrapped up today with a session on best practices from around the world for financing infrastructure repairs and upgrades. The governors charted what they called "an action-based roadmap" for the chairman's initiative Strengthening Our Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future.

Each year, the chair alternates between a Democrat and a Republican, and each year, the chairman chooses an initiative to focus the governors' efforts.

This year the NGA Chair is Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, who is highlighting the role states can play in managing existing infrastructure and developing new infrastructure in ways that enhance economic and environmental prosperity.

"A growing pattern of underinvestment and uncoordinated planning has led to a range of concerns that are felt across the country, including widespread congestion, unsafe bridges, inadequate water supply and an electricity grid that is increasingly pressed beyond its ability," said Governor Rendell today. "To ensure our nation's ability to compete in an evolving global economy and respond to crucial energy and environmental challenges, we must not only maintain our infrastructure system but also enhance and improve it."

In January, the American Society of Civil Engineers reported that $2.2 trillion in repairs and upgrades is needed over the next five years just to bring the nation's infrastructure up to "adequate." The ASCE's 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure assigned an overall grade of D to the nation as well as individual grades in 15 infrastructure categories, none higher than C+.

Governor Rendell's focus on infrastructure took shape in January 2008 when he formed a new coalition called "Building America's Future," to rally support for a renewed federal commitment to funding America's infrastructure needs with state partners.

During the meeting, governors discussed a variety of initiatives their states are undertaking to accelerate renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They stressed the importance of coordinating their actions with the Obama administration to leverage each others' efforts.

Several governors noted the unique complexity of clean energy and climate challenge issues will require action at the local, state and federal level.

作者

蔡麗伶(LiLing Barricman)

In my healing journey and learning to attain the breath awareness, I become aware of the reality that all the creatures of the world are breathing the same breath. Take action, here and now. From my physical being to the every corner of this out of balance's planet.