NRDC President Responds to Deal Reached in Copenhagen

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (December 18, 2009) -- In response to the deal reached in Copenhagen by the United States and leaders from a number of other countries, Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, issued the following statement:

“The world has said enough is enough. We have taken a vital first step toward curbing climate change for the sake of our planet, our country and our children.

“For the first time in history, the United States is joining with other major emitters to take real action against global warming. Real cuts in carbon pollution. Real American jobs at home. Real measures to make clear which countries make good on their vows. And real help for the world's most vulnerable people exposed to droughts, floods, famine and storms made worse by climate change.

“This agreement is not all we had hoped for. There's still more work to be done. But it strikes a credible blow against the single greatest environmental ill of our time. It gathers all nations around the common goal of ending this scourge that imperils us all. And it sets the stage for further action in the months ahead.

“Now the Senate can take up clean energy and climate legislation in the certain knowledge that Americans won't act alone. A hopeful nation watches and waits for the Senate to pass a bill that will put Americans back to work, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and ensure a safer future for us all.”