Green Groups Claim Growing Momentum from Senate Vote

Environment America – Environmental Defense Fund – League of Conservation Voters – National Audubon Society – National Wildlife Federation – Natural Resources Defense Council – Sierra Club – Union of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON -- June 6, 2008 -- Obstructionists prevented the Senate from moving forward with the Climate Security Act of 2008 (S. 3036), sponsored by Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Ct.) and John Warner (R-Va.) and managed by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

Forty-eight Senators voted to proceed with the global warming legislation and 6 senators who couldn't be present for the vote submitted statements indicating they would have supported moving forward. Thirty-six Senators voted against proceeding with the bill. Leading U.S. environmental, conservation and science groups issued the following statement:

"A majority of senators have expressed their support for moving forward with global warming legislation, but allies of the coal and oil industry blocked progress on the most important environmental issue of our time. Today's vote sets the stage for a new president and Congress to enact strong legislation that will more effectively build a clean energy economy and prevent the worst consequences of global warming.

"For 20 senators, this was the first time they voted—or expressed that they would vote—in favor of advancing debate on global warming legislation. Even though the legislation under debate was stronger than bills the Senate has debated before, 10 senators who in past votes have consistently not supported global warming legislation voted to proceed on this bill. Ten senators, for whom today's vote was their first opportunity to go on the record regarding global warming legislation, chose to vote in favor of proceeding or submitted statements saying they would have. Clearly, there is growing support in the Senate for effectively addressing global warming.

"This bill would have helped end America's oil dependence, created new green jobs and helped prevent the most costly consequences of climate change. The debate identified which senators are listening to the American people and which are still taking their marching orders from the coal and oil industries.

"This week's debate was just the first round in a three-round fight. The Senate debate has elevated the importance of this issue for the election and the next round will be in November. The final round will be next year, when we will have the support and momentum we need to pass legislation that will more effectively build a clean energy economy and prevent the worst consequences of global warming.

"This year's debate brought new allies to the fight, including labor leaders, mayors and Fortune 500 executives. We have witnessed a turning point in the debate over global warming. It has gone from a niche environmental issue to a national issue of concern to virtually all Americans. The call for aggressively addressing the climate crisis will only grow stronger over the coming year.

"Sens. Boxer, Lieberman and Warner, Majority Leader Reid and other Senate champions deserve the nation's thanks for working to make the climate safer for our children and grandchildren."

Source: UCS

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