Aspen Taking a stand...
Aspen/Snowmass, Colo. -- Aspen Skiing Company announced that it is taking a public position in support of the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act. The act, now in the U.S. Senate, is a bipartisan plan to reduce heat-trapping emissions of greenhouse gases from U.S. sources.
There are good reasons for us to be concerned about climate change, said Pat O'Donnell, president and CEO, Aspen Skiing Company. Scientific models suggest that as warming continues, we will experience increased extreme weather events, warmer nights, wetter shoulder seasons, and reduced weather predictability. All of these changes affect our industry.
The 1990's were the warmest decade on record and global average temperatures continue to rise. Based on projected emission trends, scientists predict global temperatures will rise another 2.5 to 10.4 degrees F over the coming century.
We've come to the conclusion that efforts to reduce our own emissions won't solve the problem. We need political action on this issue, and we need it now, says Auden Schendler, director of environmental affairs, Aspen Skiing Company. Given the solid scientific information we have on climate change, it makes sense for the ski industry to support reasonable, bipartisan, economically feasible action to address this problem before it begins to affect Aspen/Snowmass.
The Climate Stewardship Act will encourage major industrial emitters to invest in, and even profit from, the most cost-effective means to reduce emissions. Over the long term, investments in efficiency will actually reduce future energy costs. So while resorts may see a small increase in their electricity rates, these costs will be manageable with periodic efficiency upgrades such as replacing outdated compressors in snowmaking equipment. These measures will reduce the electricity and fuel bills ski resorts pay in the long run.
In 2001, Aspen Skiing Company announced a ten-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent. The company has implemented a host of climate protection programs including wind power purchases, comprehensive lighting retrofits, on-slope microhydroelectric power generation, green building design, and political support for state and federal renewable energy standards.
Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains - Aspen Sardy Field (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800/525-6200 or 970/925-1220, or visit the company's website at www.aspensnowmass.com.