A Clean Energy Bargain

The United States took an important step toward economic recovery, environmental protection, and energy security when the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). This sound climate and clean energy legislation will protect the planet for less than the cost of a postage stamp a day per household, and represents a great investment in America's future-now it's up to the Senate to turn this bill into a law.

With the guidance of a group of expert advisors from academia, industry, labor, and nongovernmental organizations, NRDC sponsored an independent analysis of the impacts of the ACES bill using two well-known national energy models. The findings confirm that ACES is a win-win for the economy and the environment. In addition to helping to avert the most catastrophic effects of climate change, ACES will help usher in a clean energy future, boost our economy, create clean energy jobs, increase our energy efficiency, and make America more secure by reducing our reliance on foreign oil and exposure to volatile oil prices.

This NRDC report provides a clear assessment of ACES and thorough recommendations for how the Senate can improve and strengthen this essential legislation.

Note: Summary Updated March 2010