Pew Statement on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

Washington , DC - 05/21/2009 - Today, Phyllis Cuttino, Director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. Global Warming Campaign, released the following statement on the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“We congratulate Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) for their tireless leadership in both crafting this significant global warming and energy legislation and successfully passing it out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Crafting legislation that reflects the views of a regionally and politically diverse Committee was no easy task. Thanks to their leadership we now have a bill that represents a key first step towards cutting global warming pollution, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and creating new clean energy jobs and industries America needs.

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“Leaders from both parties now have an opportunity to keep the legislative process moving and strengthen the legislation to advance the economic, security and environmental interests of the United States. This is one of the most important economic and environmental pieces of legislation this Congress will consider. If the final bill retains scientifically-based emissions reduction goals, a strong renewable energy portfolio standard, cost-saving energy efficiency measures, and sensible measures to reduce impacts on low- and middle-income Americans – the American Clean Energy and Security Act will make our country more prosperous and clean.

“Some have claimed climate legislation is too complicated, too hard to take up and pass - but they are out of step with the American people. Research conducted for Pew Environment Group, and confirmed by other polls, demonstrates conclusively that the public understands that tackling global warming will create clean energy jobs, increase energy independence and strengthen our economy.

“The Senate first introduced global warming legislation in 1987 and since then members of both chambers have held countless hearings and introduced numerous bills. Twenty-two years is enough time to wait, it’s time for Congress to act.”

Source: Pew Environment Group