Legislation Clears Key Committee
Washington, D.C. (Vocus) November 5, 2009 -- Landmark legislation that would address climate change and lay the foundation for a new clean energy economy advanced closer to final passage today.
The bill, S.1733, the Clean Jobs and American Power Act, passed the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. This legislation will be a key component of a broader climate and energy package that will include input from other committees before being voted on by the full Senate.
Lou Leonard, director of US Climate Policy for World Wildlife Fund, issued the following statement upon today’s vote:
“With world governments gathered this week in Barcelona to make final preparations for next month’s Copenhagen climate summit, passage of this bill by the EPW Committee s a strong signal that the US will act on climate change.
“Climate change is a crisis that does not respect geographic borders or political affiliation. Although it was not visible in the EPW Committee today, senators from both sides of the aisle recognize the severity and urgency of the climate threat and the need to take action. Bi-partisan attempts to tackle climate change started in 2003 with the McCain-Lieberman bill, and have recently been evidenced by the leadership of Senators Graham, Lieberman and Kerry.
“Every region of the US is already feeling the effects of climate change and they are getting worse. The longer we wait to act, the more damaging the impacts will be on our economy and the natural world. We have wasted too many years. The Senate should act this year to assemble a comprehensive climate bill that will demonstrate American leadership in Copenhagen and allow EPA to conduct an analysis of the final legislation. It is time for our leaders in the Senate and the White House to engage in a serious way to pass climate legislation and protect the planet that we will leave to our children.”
ACT FOR OUR FUTURE
For more information about WWF’s efforts to secure Senate passage of climate legislation, please visit www.ActForOurFuture.org.
ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.
Contact:
Joe Pouliot, WWF
(202) 495-4730 – office
(202) 476-9919 - mobile
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