Where do your legislators stand?

• Backers of the bill include: Rep. Phil Haire, D-Sylva; Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Mars Hill, and Sen. John Snow, D-Murphy.

• Rep. Roger West, R-Marble, and Sen. Keith Presnell, R-Burnsville, have not signed on to the bill.

A bill aimed at addressing global warming has been introduced in the N.C. General Assembly.

The bill does not contain any regulations. Rather it establishes a state commission to study global warming and come up with a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions contributing to the climate threat. The commission would consist of state decision-makers, businesses and other climate stakeholders — including the tourism, agriculture and forestry industries.

Activity spurred by the bill could open the door for North Carolina companies to be leaders in environmental solutions

“This bill will spur economic development and job creation in the renewable energy sector, motivate companies to reduce carbon emissions and prepare the state’s business community to take advantage of the emerging carbon marketplace,” said Michael Shore, Senior Air Policy Analyst with Environmental Defense, an environmental advocacy group based in N.C.

In the meantime, global warming is a threat to many state industries. Trout farming requires cool stream temperatures — a degree or two impacts productivity and trout health — as does Christmas tree farming. The skiing industry, already a risky business at NC’s highest elevations, has launched its own Keep Winter Cool campaign due to concerns over global warming. A small rise in sea level could wipe out tourism along NC’s Outer Banks.