June 26, 2009

Statement of John DeCock, President, Clean Water Action

(Washington, D.C.) "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives took the first meaningful steps on the long path toward transforming our energy economy and curbing global warming. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) passed the House by a vote of 219-212. This action signals that Americans want to address the challenge of climate change by transforming our economy and rewarding investments in clean, smart energy production. This bill will create jobs and allow us to reap the economic and environmental benefits of a new energy economy. We can now move forward with the transformation of our energy policies that will reduce global warming pollution and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

"Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) report on climate change impacts in the United States underscored that our climate is already changing across the country-altering our water cycle, increasing floods and droughts, and threatening the quality and quantity of our drinking water. This damage could be compounded if our energy choices continue to draw significantly from our water sources, while polluting what remains.

"Passage of this bill is a move in the right direction, but is not our destination.

"Clean Water Action will continue to mobilize for an even stronger companion bill in the U.S. Senate, and will work with our allies to require more measures to reduce global warming and achieve the clean energy transformation we need to boost our economy and to protect our water and other natural resources.

"Clean Water Action believes the next steps on the path are clear:

• Create more clean energy jobs with stronger renewable energy and energy efficiency provisions;
• Increase investments that help foster a fair and effective international agreement;
• Prepare for the impacts of climate change on natural resources and vulnerable communities, changes that can no longer be avoided;
• Provide strong, effective oversight by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the program meets its goals;
• Develop a requirement that global warming polluters pay for their pollution, generating funds for initiatives that assist consumers and support efficiency, renewables and other clean energy programs;
• Halt all investment of limited public resources for energy sources that continue to waste and pollute water resources - including coal and nuclear power.

"Clean Water Action commends Representatives Waxman and Markey on their foresight and leadership on this issue, and hope that similar principals emerge in the Senate as our country gets down to the real work of developing solutions to this great challenge. We are at a crossroads in our history. Passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act provides the signpost we need to continue in the right direction."

Clean Water Action is the nation's leading grassroots environmental campaign organization, with more than 1 million members nationwide. For over thirty years, Clean Water Action has been a leader in protecting America's waters, the public health and empowering people to take charge of their environmental future. www.cleanwateraction.org