Key Quotes
"It puts the nation on a path to achieve significant and necessary greenhouse gas emission reductions, while protecting consumers and advancing new technologies that will lead to the transition to a lower carbon economy."
"It is important for the nation to achieve meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while minimizing disruptions to our economic recovery. This bill takes the right approach by requiring that emissions allowances be allocated instead of auctioned."
"Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey have shown outstanding commitment to building a clean-energy economy that will create jobs, strengthen our energy security, protect our electric customers from undue price increases and address the threat of climate change... It is vital that legislation pass this year."
"U.S. leadership is essential to fostering a global solution to GHG emissions. America is at its best when it leads. Sound and predictable policy to address climate change will unleash investment in new technologies that will advance both energy security and sustainability."
"The American Clean Energy and Security Act would establish U.S. leadership in reducing the emissions that are threatening ecological and human well-being. The bill dedicates 5% of the allowances under the cap to support a program that would conserve tropical forests... This investment, combined with robust offset provisions, would create a real chance to reduce forest emissions while engaging developing nations to reduce emissions. We urge your support for these provisions."
"PG&E has long supported taking action to address climate change. We strongly believe that climate change is an urgent matter, requiring immediate action and bold solutions. The longer we wait to begin to tackle the challenge, the more costly and difficult it will be for our country and the world. We believe the process to date has resulted in a strong bill that works to balance competing interests and puts the nation on a path to achieve significant and necessary greenhouse gas emission reductions, while protecting consumers and advancing new technologies that will create clean energy jobs for America."
"We firmly believe that putting a price on carbon while protecting consumers can advance clean technology and infrastructure critical to America's future."
"The Blue Green Alliance [includes Steelworkers, Service Employees International, NRDC, Sierra Club, CWA, LIUNA] believes that ACES is a positive step to ensuring America's energy and climate challenges are addressed while shifting the nation to a clean energy economy that provides high-road jobs in green manufacturing and skilled construction trades. It is through this combined effort that we can establish a new economic development model that provides opportunities for workers across America by making job creation and environmental integrity the two keys to our country's future prosperity."
"The U.S. Congress can pass climate legislation that is both environmentally effective and economically sound, and this bill provides a strong foundation for such action."
"H.R. 2454 contains the tools to provide certainty to the marketplace and to promote investment in technology. The bill recognizes the important greenhouse gas reducing contributions of the advanced clean coal technologies and energy efficient technologies that we innovate."
"This historic bill will make significant investments in clean, renewable energy and reduce carbon pollution that causes global warming. By making investments in clean energy, we will create whole new industries, millions of good-paying American jobs, and generate hundreds of billions of dollars in energy savings and benefits to low-income families. It will also demonstrate American leadership as nations work to reach a strong international agreement to protect our planet in Copenhagen later this year."
"We may be on the brink of something astounding in Washington. This is due to the hard work and political courage of President Obama, Chairmen Waxman and Markey, Congressman Boucher, Senator Bingaman, and others."
"The UAW believes that H.R. 2454 contains many positive provisions that should form the basis for comprehensive energy and climate change legislation. These provisions will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and improve our energy security... At the same time, the legislation includes important provisions to facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy."
"We urge you to support The American Clean Energy and Security Act and to work to strengthen the bill as it moves through the legislative process. Most immediately, we urge you to oppose any amendments that weaken this legislation and to support any amendments that would accelerate clean energy investments, create more clean energy jobs, promote a global climate agreement, further safeguard natural resources and respond to the latest climate science."
"Let's be clear. This legislation is good for America's economy, health and competitive future, as well as our country's ability to lead globally on climate change."
"Companies across America are ready to build the clean energy technologies we need to grow the economy and protect the climate; a cap will unleash the private-sector investment they need to get going. The short-term targets in the bill help ensure that investments are made quickly, and they increase our chances of minimizing climate impacts by kick-starting the transition to low-carbon energy sources."
"The ACES combines ambitious but achievable greenhouse gas emission reduction targets with a market-based program that will reward business leaders for deploying clean energy technologies as quickly and inexpensively as possible. There is a global race underway to develop these technologies - a race that will dominate the 21st century economy - and the ACES act will help U.S. business lead that race."
"Tackling climate change through comprehensive legislation that is fair and balanced and supported by the Obama Administration is a significant step forward for our nation, and one that is long overdue."
"It is imperative that Congress act this year to put a cap on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. We commend the leadership of Congress in moving forward on critically important legislation that invests in a clean energy infrastructure of tomorrow."
Editorials: Support from Across the Country
Indianapolis Star (5/28/09), "Lighten up on carbon reduction"
Gov. Mitch Daniels and U.S. Reps. Mike Pence and Steve Buyer have some significant non-allies in their vehement opposition to the carbon reduction legislation now moving through Congress.
Among them are most of the Midwest's governors, who already have signed a regional cap-and-trade agreement; and Indiana's largest electric utility, whose boss accepts the need for congressional action and insists it will benefit rather than punish this coal-dependent region -- if the region's leadership pulls up to the table.
The Houston Chronicle (5/24/09), "Cap-and-trade off: Compromise bill to cap greenhouse gas emissions spreads the cost"
The compromise legislation crafted by committee chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Edward Markey, D-Mass., preserves the original intent of the Obama administration to begin addressing the causes of climate change, while insulating emissions-producing industries and consumers from economic damage.
The legislation has attracted an unusual coalition of supporters, including Duke Energy, Alcoa and the Environmental Defense Fund. Former Vice President Al Gore, whose film An Inconvenient Truth helped raise public awareness of global warming, plans to campaign for its passage.
The Tennessean (4/9/09), "Economy no excuse to ignore global warming"
The quest for new energy sources is not just a dream. It's real. It's happening. The only question is the level of commitment others will have to develop new energy sources. Tennessee is positioned to be a global leader. That didn't happen by making excuses.
The New York Times (5/22/09), "Leadership Long Delayed"
It began [this week] with the White House's announcement that it will impose the first-ever limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. It ended with a House committee approving a comprehensive energy and global warming bill - an important first step on legislation that seeks to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, reverse emissions of carbon dioxide and create millions of clean energy jobs.
The Salt Lake Tribune (5/22/09), "Cap and trade"
Anything less than this far-reaching legislation would not mitigate the global-warming crisis that could displace millions with rising sea levels, and bring drought, more wildfire, shrunken snowpack, severe weather and economic hardship to the West.
Daily Herald, IL (6/11/09), "Consider climate bill despite costs"
Opponents worry that means costs will rise. Supporters admit that's the case. But they say we'll use less energy, meaning the bottom line will be lower. They also note that the bill includes a number of cost containment measures to limit the impact.
Taking this action to improve our environment will cost, no question. But inaction will undoubtedly cost far more.
Danville Register Bee, VA (7/5/09), "The right vote, for right now"
Energy independence is a technical problem. It will take the work of scientists, researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs to solve. But to push that process along, it will take more than one company - or even one industry. It will take a shift in national energy policy.
But there is no national energy tax - just a lot of wildly fluctuating cost estimates that don't take into account all the new ideas, technologies and products that can be used to solve our energy problem.
Op-Eds from Members
Indianapolis Star (6/10/09), "Focus our energy on common ground" by Rep. Baron Hill
I believe enacting energy legislation that addresses energy independence, green jobs and climate change is both pressing and productive. And I believe it can and should be done in a way that takes into account the current economy and geographic disparities.
The Hill (6/15/09), "ACES Act lays solid foundation for nation's clean-energy future" by ?Rep. Bobby L. Rush
The inclusion of the Low-Income Community Energy Efficiency Program (LICEEP), which was an amendment I offered that was adopted unanimously in the committee, will provide grants to mission-driven community development organizations as a means to increase the flow of capital and technical assistance to low-income communities, as well as minority- and women-owned businesses.
The Tennessean (4/9/09), "Energy reform key to the economy" by Rep. Jim Cooper
[Cap-and-trade] uses market forces to reward efficient businesses instead of centralized bureaucratic control. We used this approach to reduce acid rain in the 1990s, and it has been remarkably successful.
The Hill (6/15/09), "Poorest Americans, contributing least to climate change, will not be hurt by legislation to rectify" by Rep. G.K. Butterfield
Most importantly, the poorest Americans, who contributed least to this problem and are least able to endure any increases in costs, are held harmless. The 15 percent of allowance value devoted to these struggling households guarantees the recoupment of any lost purchasing power, and does not phase out over the 40-year life of the program... Our goal in the consideration of this legislation was to lower greenhouse gases, bring sustainable new jobs to America, and aid the consumer, and particularly low- and moderate-income consumers who have contributed the least to the problem.
The Boston Globe (6/6/09), "The race for clean-energy innovation" by Rep. Edward J. Markey
It [ACES] also reduces carbon emissions from major US sources 83 percent by 2050 compared with 2005 levels, and saves consumers money at the pump by investing $20 billion to retool America's auto manufacturers to produce electric cars that don't use any gasoline.
The Waxman-Markey bill would invest more than $190 billion in clean-energy technologies that will go to the companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurs smart enough, agile enough, and innovative enough to devise the next great clean-energy technology.
Roll Call (6/22/09), "Boucher: Bill is Essential for Curbing Gasses" by Rep. Rick Boucher
Under our agreement, separate legislation I have introduced to accelerate the flow of federal funding for the latest generation of carbon capture and storage technologies will be enacted into law. Under that measure, $1 billion annually will be devoted to the development of these technologies for a 10-year period, and estimates are that with this funding they will be available and reliable in 2020.
Farm Bureau News (7/27/09), "Amendments to Climate Bill" by Rep. Collin Peterson
With or without Congressional action, EPA will be free to regulate greenhouse gases, resulting in one of the largest and most bureaucratic night-mares that the U.S. economy and Americans have ever seen. And, with EPA in the lead, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguably the voice of agriculture and rural America, would be left out of the process. Let me be clear, this is not a responsibility we want to leave in the hands of EPA.
That's why I decided to get involved and work with my colleagues in Congress to be sure that agriculture and rural America had a seat at the table when this climate change legislation was written. As a result, we were able to amend several import-ant provisions that made the bill a better deal for agriculture and rural America.
The Politico (7/13/09), "The new Apollo program" by Rep. Jay Inslee
Construction workers will install energy-efficient windows and insulation in homes and businesses nationwide. Our oil reserves pale in comparison with those of Saudi Arabia, but we are rich in wind, solar and geothermal energy; sequestered coal; and the ultimate energy source: efficiency. The Inslee-Doyle provision will protect important domestic manufacturers of pulp and paper, fertilizer, cement, aluminum and steel.
Times-News, NC (7/12/09), "Shuler defends vote on climate change" by Rep. Heath Shuler
It's time for us as a nation to stand on our own feet and regain our position as a world leader in energy innovation. I have faith in North Carolina's ability to thrive as a result of this legislation. Our region has seen a dramatic increase in green energy businesses and job opportunities. Since 1998, clean energy jobs in our state have grown by more than 15 percent, while other jobs have increased only 6 percent.
Lexington Herald-Leader (6/30/09), "New energy bill aims to save environment and push economy" by Rep. Ben Chandler
I had concerns with how early versions of the bill could affect Central Kentucky, but I pushed for additional changes that have been included in the legislation's final form. Specifically, I fought for and secured an additional 30 million allowances for the rural electric cooperatives in Kentucky and across the country, helping protect our companies and helping these energy producers keep rates low for our rural communities. This is not just about our environment, but it is about the future �" the future of our economy, the future of our jobs and the future of our children. In addition to caring for our families, we also have a duty to protect God's creation.
Altavista Journal, VA (7/1/09), "Tom Perriello's Report" by Rep. Tom Perriello
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation to create millions of new jobs in the clean-energy economy and increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. I supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act because I believe it is a necessary step in declaring our energy independence and creating the energy jobs and technology of the future right here at home. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office ... the bill is estimated to cost the average 5th District family only $12 per month - or 40 cents per day - a cost that could be offset by any household that reduces its energy.
Mercury News (6/9/09), "Congress needs to hear from constituents on climate change" by Rep. Michael Honda
A recently published study by Yale and George Mason universities, entitled "Global Warming's Six Americas," found that a growing majority of Americans - 67 percent - want the United States to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of other countries' reticence toward reduction... Furthermore, a majority of Americans are keen to create a culture of climate-friendly consumer practices, rewarding or punishing corporations based on their steps to reduce global warming.
Op-Eds & Columnists
The Detroit News, MI (5/28/09), "House energy bill will increase green jobs" by Phillip Thompson, Service Employees International Union
ACES, which the House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved, will continue this trend and expand our burgeoning green jobs economy - breathing new life into Michigan's withering manufacturing sector...The legislation will create millions of new manufacturing and construction jobs -- manufacturing jobs for those who will produce the wind turbines and solar panels, and construction jobs for making our buildings significantly more energy efficient.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, VA (6/7/09), "Virginian Leads Sensible Climate Change Efforts" by Tom Farrell (Dominion Resources), Mike Morris (American Electric Power), and Jim Rogers (Duke Energy)
Most important to Virginians and U.S. consumers, it is designed to avoid dramatic price spikes in coal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, and other carbon-based fuels that have been the foundation of our economy for more than a century...It also provides strong incentives needed to develop an array of new, cleaner energy and renewable technologies that, over time, will stabilize and help grow our economy.
The Desert Sun, CA (6/14/09), "Governor says world needs California Leadership on renewable energy" by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Californians understand better than anyone that we need more jobs and a stronger economy. We need to stop climate change - and our best chance of achieving all three goals is to have Congress put a cap on carbon pollution...We pay for the fuel we burn but not for the pollution we emit. That pollution causes serious damage to our world, and in the long run, we all pay for it.
The New York Times, NY (5/17/09), "The Perfect, the Good, the Planet" by Paul Krugman, columnist
The bill represents major action to limit climate change. As the Center for American Progress has pointed out, by 2020 the legislation would have the same effect on global warming as taking 500 million cars off the road.
Roll Call, DC (6/12/09), "Find a Market Solution to Problem of Climate Change" by Federico Peña, Compete Coalition, former Sec.of Energy, Sec. of Transportation, Mayor of Denver
By relying on market forces, we will cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating rational economic incentives for clean energy, greater efficiency and innovative products for both electricity generators and consumers.
Palm Beach Post, FL (6/15/09), "Do you support cap-and-trade legislation? Yes" by Eric Draper, Audubon of Florida
...every kilowatt of energy saved is money in your purse. Drivers of fuel-efficient cars are less vulnerable to gas price hikes. People using energy-efficient appliances pay less than those doing things the old way. And renewable energy, such as solar power, harnesses free fuel from the sun, far from the control of unstable foreign governments... This bill makes good economic sense.
The Detroit News, MI (6/17/09), "Cap-and-trade bill creates green jobs: Legislation balances employment with warming fight" by Mark Gaffney, Michigan AFL-CIO
The cap-and-trade legislation will help take a balanced approach toward an economy-wide program that prevents foreign competitors from getting advantages over America companies. The nation should maintain a diverse energy portfolio that includes renewable energy, fossil fuels, nuclear and hydro electric. And solutions must protect individual industries and geographical regions from being disproportionably or adversely affected... Such a strategy is the American Clean Energy & Security Act...