Contact: Eben Burnham-Snyder, 202-225-2836

U.S. gains in clean energy, fuel economy show emissions reductions possible

MEDFORD (June 10, 2013) – The International Energy Agency reported that global emissions of carbon dioxide from energy rose 1.4 percent to 31.6 gigatons in 2012. If we continue on this pace, our planet could see a temperature increase over nine degrees Fahrenheit. Also noted in the report was that the United States saw a 3.8 percent decline in energy emissions. U.S. reductions in carbon emissions have hinged on strong policies to improve fuel economy of new cars and light trucks as well as the increased deployment of clean energy.

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass), the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee released the following statement:

“If we’re going to avoid climate catastrophe, we need global cooperation. America is showing that we can cut emissions and create jobs through clean energy and fuel economy.

"As we’ve seen in my home state of Massachusetts, investing in clean energy technology and infrastructure that can withstand the new climate reality will create American jobs and keep us competitive in the global clean energy race. We need that same kind of leadership on a global scale.

“America must act to avoid climatic catastrophe and severe economic damage. We must continue to work with other countries especially China to reduce carbon emissions.  Our future, our children’s future and the future of our planet depend on what we do to address climate change.”

Rep. Markey co-authored the 2009 Waxman-Markey climate and clean energy bill; the only comprehensive piece of climate legislation to pass a federal legislative body. The problems addressed in the bill remain with us today.

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