Move over healthcare and make room for legislation to tackle the climate crisis. Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer just introduced a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan: the Clean Energy Jobs & American Power Act.
I wholeheartedly agree with President Obama, who said this about the bill:
"Today we are now one crucial step closer to our energy independence, regaining control of our energy security, and delivering a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan to the president's desk as soon as possible."
And as my boss at NRDC declared:
"This bill will help curb climate change, strengthen our economy, and make our country more secure. It will help generate jobs, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create a healthier future for all of us. And it will put Americans back to work, making our country the world leader in the green technologies that are driving growth in the global marketplace."
This is a big day in the battle to avert the worst consequences of global warming and to put Americans back to work in a clean energy economy. (Not convinced about the threat of climate change? Take a look at the new Google Earth 3D mapping tool, which uses data provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to simulate the predicted effects on temperature and precipitation over this century as a result of climate change.)
Without a doubt we need Congress to pass this bill pronto because here's what's at stake: America's dependence on foreign oil hurts our economy, helps our enemies, and puts our security at risk. Oil companies and other special interests have fought energy reform for decades to protect their profits. They've kept us dependent on foreign oil and protected corporations that pollute the air our children breathe and the water they drink.
This bill puts America back in control of its energy security and makes America more energy independent. It will create new energy industries and new jobs and develop secure, clean energy sources that are made in America and work for America.
This video makes the case quite well: