Oil Spill to Climate Bill
Action to call US Senators and President Obama requesting a strong climate bill now, in light of the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
We Need Clean Energy Now
While it might seem far away, the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a disaster we can imagine too well. Just like our friends in the Gulf Coast, we're also surrounded by a fishing community that relies on clean water and safe seafood for their livelihood. Our state also attracts millions of visitors each year who come for the natural beauty of the water, coast and marine life.
This disaster is a chilling reminder that the cost of fossil fuel dependence in this country is too high, not just on the environment but also on the economy. From wherever we sit, we can all be part of America's move towards clean energy.
Many practical alternatives to fossil fuels already exist, and are in widespread use today. But some of them need a national commitment to this climate bill to accelerate their development.
Please ask your
Senators to Stand Up for Climate Action
Call your Senators today. If
you are a business or community leader, be sure to mention your
title.
- Senator Cantwell: (202) 224-3441
- Senator Murray: (202) 224-2621
- Other states - Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121
- President Obama: (202) 456-1111
After you make your calls, sign
up to stay engaged. You’ll receive action alerts from
the Environmental Priorities Coalition.
From Coalition member Climate Solutions: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, where are we in the federal effort to put a cap on global warming pollution while building a robust clean energy economy?
- The House passed the American Clean Energy and Security
Act (ACES) in June of last year. Broadly speaking this bill
calls for a 17% reduction in global warming emissions by 2020 and 80% by
2050. The bill has many other provisions: some that Climate Solutions
supports whole-heartedly – investments in our clean energy economy,
renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, and consumer
protections - and some that we are less enthusiastic about, such as
excessive offsets and allocated permits to fossil fuel industries. But
even with its flaws, ACES would mark a revolutionary change in our
climate and energy policy. Along with many of you, Climate Solutions
worked hard with our members of Congress in the Northwest to get the
best bill possible. In the end, we enthusiastically supported passage of
this bill as did 12 Republicans including Rep. Reichert from
Washington’s 8th Congressional District.
- A
national climate policy is one of the few issues that continues to enjoy
bi-partisan support in both chambers. This year, Senator
Lindsay Graham (R-SC) has been tirelessly working on a climate bill with
his colleagues Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Senator John Kerry
(D-MA). And, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has been working with her
colleague Senator Maria Cantwell (D- Washington) on a climate bill.
Senator Olympia Snowe (R- Maine) has recently signaled potential support
as well. Unlike health care, it has always been clear that the only
way to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate policy is to develop a
truly bi-partisan approach.
- Twenty-two Senators -- including many moderate and swing Democrats -- recently signed on to a letter calling for action on a comprehensive bill this year. "Our lack of a comprehensive clean energy policy hurts job creation and increases regulatory uncertainty throughout the economy," the Senators wrote. "Businesses are waiting on clean signals from Congress before investing billions in energy, transportation, manufacturing, buildings and other sectors. America's competitiveness and export strength are also at stake.” Climate Solutions is proud that we helped ensure that five of the 22 Senators that signed on to show support for action this year were from our region.
