American Clean Energy and Security Act
Key Legislation Moves Through the US House of Representatives
The Waxman-Markey bill, known as the American Clean Energy and Securities Act, (HR 2454) made it out of the House with a vote of 219 to 212 with 44 Democrats voting against it and 8 Republicans for it. This is an historic time, one that we hope our children can look proudly upon. It would move us toward a framework to curb global warming and shift us toward a Clean Energy future.
Click for Remarks from President Obama on Thursday, June 25th, in regard to ACES
From LWV: For the first time, the legislation sets a cap on the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change. The bill aims to reduce global warming emmissions from capped sources by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and by 83% by 2050. ACES would establish minimum targets for building codes that will save consumers $25 billion a year by 2030. Funds will be provided to state and local governments to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Strong energy and climate legislation is essential for long-term economic prosperity.
- The American Clean Energy and Security Act, HR 2454 represents a critical opportunity to deliver on President Obama’s vision for a clean energy economy.
- We must oppose any efforts to weaken this bill, and to actively encourage and support moves to strengthen it.
- In addition to defending against weakening the bill, we support strengthening with amendments.
Representatives Pingree and Ellison calling for the bill to be strengthened in three key ways:
- Holding Polluters Accountable – restore authority to the EPA to regulate coal plants;
- Increasing investment in green jobs and in protecting vulnerable communities against the impacts of global warming
- Improving the renewable energy standard
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