More than just an abbreviated ski and snowboard season, climate change and the continued loss of snow will exact a significant economic toll on the mountain communities that have developed alongside US ski resorts. To us, climate change is a threat to our local economy, our jobs and the vitality of the unique communities that draw thousands of tourists each year who shop in our stores, ride our lifts and eat in our restaurants.
Furthermore, a clean energy economy will create thousands of new companies, millions of new jobs, and billions in revenue - all generated through innovative solutions to the climate crisis. In fact, studies show that comprehensive clean energy and climate policies can generate a net increase of 1.7 million new American jobs.
Snow-based recreation in the United States was recently estimated to contribute an estimated $66 billion to the US economy and support approximately 556,000 jobs. Just over 15.5 million people participate in these forms of snow-based recreation.(Southwick Associates 2006)
In the Northeast, snowsports recreation supports over 55,000 jobs and and the economic contribution to the regional economy was $5 billion annually. (OIF, 2006)
In the Rocky Mountain region, snowsports recreation supports over 100,000 jobs and the economic contribution to the regional economy was $11 billion annually. (OIF, 2006)
In the Pacific region, snowsports recreation supports over 84,000 jobs and the economic contribution to the regional economy was $9 billion annually. (OIF, 2006)
The general opinion is that any new climate change legislation needs to be passed by the Senate within the next sixty days or we run the risk of losing any momentum gained, and witnessing a very different future.
We have a lot at stake and a powerful voice, which needs to be heard. The time for us to speak up is now.
Please take a minute to see where your Senator stands on climate change legislation and send them an email to let them know you want them to support strong climate legislation.
For more information on the American Clean Energy & Security Act, please click here:
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