How important is it for the United States to take action now to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases like CO2 that cause global warming? A recent poll shows 81 percent of Americans say it is important or very important.

The poll, conducted by the Mellman Group, also finds that 77 percent favor government action "to reduce global warming emissions."

Climate change legislation is currently moving through Congress. The climate bill is sponsored in the House by Representatives Henry Waxman and Edward Markey. President Obama says the legislation could, "spark a clean energy transformation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and confront the carbon pollution that threatens our planet."

Opponents of climate legislation say if the Bill passes, the average household will face added costs of $3100 per year. But according to a study by the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would cost the average household only $175 a year by 2020-about the cost of one postage stamp per day.