The bill has many provisions that climate activists like you have been pushing for all year--including a mechanism to crack down on old, dirty coal technology, and carbon cuts that bring us closer to what scientists say is necessary.
The Kerry-Boxer bill is a positive first step to kick off the climate debate in the Senate, but we have to defend the good provisions and to define what the Senate does with the billions of dollars generated by putting a cap on global warming pollution. And that's where you come in.
The average
family in Washington would save $5.18 per month
on their energy bills and $9.82 per month
on vehicle fuel costs if the American Clean Energy and Security Act was
enacted.
Making the Call
When you call your senators, tell them we need steep cuts in global warming pollution and provisions that crack down on old, dirty coal power plants.
The next big challenge on our way to passing strong climate and clean energy legislation will be keeping Big Oil and Dirty coal from watering down or killing this bill.
We set the table this summer - now let's get this roast in the oven and have a strong clean energy bill this year. Make a toll-free call to your senators now for a clean energy future: www.1sky.org/call.
Don't let dirty energy drowned out your voice! Be loud and clear that you want a clean energy bill THIS YEAR. The next few months will be among the most critical ever for our planet -- let's start them off right.
After your call, ask your friends, family, and neighbors to make the call. We need 10,000 voices pushing for a strong clean energy bill. It starts with our calls today.
Thanks again for keeping up the push on the Senate bill.
Writing A Letter
Sample Letter to the Editor:
Dear Editor,
As the Senate meets in the next week it is important to keep at the forefront what is at stake. Sure the economy is suffering as are lots of industry, but if we don't address the most important issue of our lifetime [global warming] there won't be a need for an economy or industry.
I speak to you first as a mother. The importance of the American Clean Energy and Security Act is paramount to our children's futures.
I know when my daughter was born life changed for me. Each and everything I did had an impact on her life and it still does. I look at her and see so much potential and life ahead of her. But if we don’t ACT now, there won’t be a tomorrow for her or any of our children.
Polls decisively show Americans want more clean energy solutions because it will set off a wave of innovation that will create millions of American jobs, reduce the stranglehold that fossil fuels has on our economic and national security, and it will address the global climate crisis head on. Moms, Dads and families are hungry for leadership, and as the debate turns to the Senate, I urge Senators Cantwell Murray to ensure a federal climate bill prior to the international climate negotiations in December.
Thank you,
Terri Glaberson
CoolMom Member
[Don't forget to include your address, email and phone number]
We need our Senators to pass a climate and clean energy bill that:
Creates clean energy jobs for America
Cut global warming pollution at least 20 percent by 2020 – limiting carbon is the best foundation for the growth of a fair, competitive market for clean energy and energy efficiency.
Support programs that create clean energy jobs, and train workers to fill them.
Establish effective renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives that spur development of clean, renewable energy, save consumers money, and get us off the fossil fuel roller coaster.
Cuts global warming pollution
We need to go into the international negotiations in Copenhagen with a firm commitment to cut climate pollution by at least 20% by 2020. Any less will undermine American leadership and reduce our chances of a securing a strong global agreement in which all nations do their fair share.
Minimize and tightly control use of offsets. We need real solutions that provide clean and efficient energy, not paper transactions that temporarily store carbon.
Transitions us away from dirty fossil fuels
End the construction of new dirty coal plants, and ensure that the oldest, dirtiest coal plants reduce their global warming pollution.
Key points to remember:
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the cheapest, cleanest, smartest and most readily available source of American energy—we must tap into its full potential.
A new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) shows that efficiency provisions in ACES, with improvements, would result in an average, annual net savings of $200 for every Washington household and create over 14,000 net new jobs by 2020.By 2030, these benefits could increase to more than 24,400 net new jobs with over $640 in net savings per year, per household. (Source: http://www.aceee.org/press/e096pr.htm)
Clean Energy Economic Development Begins at Home
In 2008, Washingtonians spent over $16 billion on imported fossil fuels. (Source: Sightline Institute) Reducing dependence on those fuels will drive economic recovery and give us more control of our energy future.
We need clean energy that we make here in Washington. Federal energy and climate policy will.put clean energy on a level playing field, driving investment and jobs in our new energy economy while reducing the cost of wasted energy for families and businesses.
Clean-energy investments create 16.7 jobs for every $1 million in spending. Spending on fossil fuels, by contrast, generates 5.3 jobs per $1 million in spending. (Source: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/06/clean_energy_factsheets.html)
Clean Energy is the fastest growing sector in global investment. We need policies that drive those investments here in Washington and the United States, and don’t allow them to be exported over seas.
National Security
Climate change poses a threat to global security, with potentially catastrophic effects around the world, and here in the US, if we don’t significantly reduce global warming pollution soon.
A 2007 report by retired generals and admirals recommended: “The U.S. should commit to a stronger national and international role to help stabilize climate changes at levels that will avoid significant disruption to global security and stability.” (Source: http://securityandclimate.cna.org/news/releases/070416.aspx)
“We will pay for this one way or another,” stated retired Marine Corps General Anthony C. Zinni. “We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today, and we'll have to take an economic hit of some kind. Or, we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll.”
Health
Climate disruption will have profound impact on the public health. We’ll see more frequent and intense heat waves, increased rates of asthma caused by air pollution, more vector-borne diseases like West Nile Virus, and more extreme droughts, flooding and wildfires.
The World Health Organization estimates that global warming is already responsible for 150,000 deaths and 5 million illnesses each year. (Source: http://www.who.int/topics/climate/en/index.html )
What we’re up against
Big oil, dirty coal, and their allies in Congress and elsewhere are already pulling out all the stops to prevent climate legislation from passing. They’ll say “no” to anything that smacks of progress towards a clean energy future. They’ve already forged letters to Congress, bussed in corporate employees to Astroturf rallies, and spent millions of dollars on lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.
Kirkland Reporter (200 words max) Print edition on Wednesdays; online LTEs printed daily cwood@kirklandreporter.com
Redmond Reporter (no word limit, but they may edit) Print edition published Wednesdays & Saturdays; online LTEs printed daily bchristianson@redmond-reporter.com
Sammamish Reporter (150-200 words) Print edition Fridays; online LTEs printed every couple of days, unless it is notably urgent jlynch@sammamishreporter.com
Snoqualmie Valley Reporter/Valley Record (250 words max) Print edition on Wednesdays, must receive letters by Monday; online letters occasionally printed editor@valleyrecord.com
Yakima Herald
If you submit the letter, please send it to: opinion@yakimaherald.com
Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line and please add your name, address, day phone (and title if a pastor and that’s appropriate.)
To be considered for publication, letters must be no more than 200 words and may be edited for grammar and clarity. Longer letters, up to 500 words, will appear on yakimaherald.com.
Parade of Reasons Visit to Cantwell and Murray's Offices, A Success!
CoolMom's Tara Reynold's and son, Hiram and Terri Glaberson, with daughter, Sydney were on hand to show off their artwork to be handed in to Senator Cantwell and Murray's Offices. What a great start to the morning! Over 40 people, including CoolMom Jen Bradbury and Cynthia Tamlyn and her two children, came to visit the Senator's offices to express their concern about passing a strong climate bill this year! Representatives from Washington Environmental Council, Fuse Washington, Climate Solutions, People for Puget Sound, Family Physician's group and many more joined together and asked for action on a climate energy bill that President Obama can take with him to Copehagen in December. Let's keep up the great work and make this happen!
Please let us know if you went to the Senator's offices today and tell us your experience!
Kimberly Christensen visited the Senator's offices today and this is what she said, "I brought the kids to both Cantwell and Murray's office today around 2 pm. Murray's folks were so friendly and one told me about the 40-50 people who had been there earlier!"
Missed today's Senate Office Visit, there are still things you can do...Write a Letter to the Editor
At this defining moment, we know that inaction is not an option – we must act, and we must act now. The forces of the failed status quo – Big Oil, Dirty Coal, and their allies in Congress who dogmatically say “no” to anything that smacks of progress towards a clean energy future – are already pulling out all the stops to prevent a clean energy jobs bill from passing. We say yes to a new direction for our country, and we need a bill that:
Maximizes Clean Energy Jobs for America
Takes serious steps towards cutting global warming air pollution as soon as possible
Transitions us away from the dirty coal and big oil fuels of the past and towards the clean energy of the future
Senate Energy Bill: Key Points
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 narrowly passed the US House of Representative by a vote of 219 – 212. The bill would:
Usher America into a powerful clean energy economy that will create millions of green jobs for American workers in clean energy industries.
Cut waste and save billions of dollars in energy costs for consumers and businesses by increasing energy efficiency across the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry. The enhanced Renewable Electricity Standard and Energy Efficiency Resource Standard alone will create 522,000 jobs and result in $170 billion in savings for consumers and businesses.
Reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and make our country energy independent through the development and use of clean renewable energy.
Limit global warming pollution and provide strong incentives for clean companies to prosper. The bill uses the same bi-partisan approach put in place to fight acid rain in 1990, supported by the first President Bush, after which electricity rates fell 10 percent and the U.S. economy added 16 million jobs.
While the bill is very comprehensive and is the first climate legislation to reach for science-based targets to tackle global warming, it can and should be made even better in the Senate, with strong leadership by Senators Cantwell and Murray by
Making a stronger commitment to boldly confront global warming in the immediate and near-future. While the bill meets the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s long-term target of cutting global warming gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, its near-term goal by 2020 is a 30% reduction, which could rely heavily on emission offsets that may be unreliable in reducing global warming pollution. The near-term 2020 emission target cuts should be at least 35% below current levels with strictly limited offsets to better meet the immediate threat of global warming to our economy and national security.
Move beyond dirty coal energy. The bill relies on eventual pollution performance standards for new plants, but even with these carbon sequestration standards, coal will still be the dirtiest fuel on the planet. Since public funding for new plants with unproven CCS (“clean coal”) technology is not contingent on a high performance, the bill could funnel public money into large dirty energy projects. We will advocate for an immediate moratorium on new coal-burning plants that emit carbon pollution. Instead of funding new dirty coal plants, public funding should instead support clean renewable energy and efficiency projects that are already commercialized, proven, and affordable.
Provide opportunities and assistance to vulnerable communities. The bill should ensure that we maximize the creation of good, green-collar jobs and provide educational and job training assistance and tools necessary to pave the pathways into them, especially for workers and communities in older industries that are highly reliant on carbon based energy. In addition to new job opportunities, Low- and middle-income households must receive rebates to compensate for increased energy costs. We must also assist vulnerable communities worldwide as they adapt to the changing climate and transition into a low-carbon economy.
Reducing fossil fuel dependence is good for our economy, good for our environment. Inaction costs too much.
Last year, Washington spent over $16 billion importing fossil fuels into our state. That’s twice the size of the deficit that’s currently hamstringing our state budget. Climate policy will take our energy dollars back and reinvest them in our economic recovery.
The costs of climate disruption – flooding, forest fires, and droughts – are already hurting our economy and they’re going to get worse. A recent University of Oregon study shows that the cost of unmitigated climate change will be almost $4 billion per year for Washington in 2020, or about $1,250 per household per year in added expenses.
Climate change is already hurting Washington’s economy. The most expensive thing we can do – for our economy and for the state’s taxpayers – is nothing.
Action on climate change creates jobs.
In a challenging economic climate, companies working in clean energy and energy efficiency -- like McKinstry Co. -- are hiring.
We don’t want to be Detroit. The auto industry failed to adapt and now it’s fighting for survival. Successful businesses see what’s coming, adapt to new circumstances, and profit. This policy set forth in this legislation both drives and rewards that innovation.
The green economy is already employing more than 47,000 people in Washington. Washington and Oregon could add between 41,000-63,000 new clean energy jobs by 2025. This legislation would spark that job growth.
Now is the time.
The science is clear. Taking action now is absolutely essential to avoiding catastrophic climate change.
With conclusive international climate negotiations in Copenhagen less than 8 months away, this may well be the last, best hope for climate action strong enough to prevent catastrophic disruption. And the single biggest factor in the success of those negotiations is whether the U.S. antes up with a serious national climate policy, including a firm, science-based cap on climate pollution.
The House Passed ACES 219 to 212 June 2009
This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act by a vote of 219 to 212. This historic legislation is a critical step forward as our nation works to build a clean energy economy and reduce global warming pollution. Thank you to all of you who made calls and sent emails to your Representatives in the days leading up to this vote.
Here's how our delegation voted:
Congressman Jay Inslee (D-1): Yes
Congressman Rick Larsen (D-2): Yes
Congressman Brian Baird (D-3): Yes
Congressman Doc Hastings (R-4): No
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-5): No
Congressman Norm Dicks (D-6): Yes
Congressman Jim McDermott (D-7): Yes
Congressman Dave Reichert (R-8): Yes
Congressman Adam Smith (D-9): Yes
CoolMom is thrilled by today's vote. We will continue working with our partners to strengthen and pass this legislation as it progresses through the U.S. Senate.
Your voices made a huge difference in moving this legislation forward.
Thank you for again for all that you do to ensure a better future!
Making the call
Phone Banking at Climate Solutions Thursday, June 25th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Climate Solutions best intelligence says that Congress may vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act on this [June 26] Friday. Can you help call the swing votes and make the call on Thursday? RSVP to Joelle Robinson, Field Director 206.443.9570 x29. Climate Solutions 1402 Third Ave., Suite 1305, Seattle, WA 98101
Call them,
On the fence -Congressional Leaders
**Baird (3rd)
O.O. Howard House
750 Anderson Street, Suite B
(Officers Row)
Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: (360) 695-6292
Fax: (360) 695-6197
**McDermott (7th) 1809 7th Avenue Suite 1212 Seattle, WA 98101-1399
Phone: (206) 553-7170
Fax: (206) 553-7175
**Reichert (8th) 2737 78th Ave, S.E., Suite 202, 2nd Floor Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: (206) 275-3438
Fax: (206) 275-3437
and tell them to “pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act – ACES (HR 2454)”
Visit a Congressperson, Parade of ideas, Friday, June 19th
Here is the West Seattle Blog Story on CoolMom's visit to Rep. Jim McDermott's Office on Friday. Please send in your photos and comments of your experiences visiting your Representative's Office to terri@coolmom.org
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR 2454) slated to be voted on the week of June 22 in the US House of Representatives would…
Usher America into a powerful clean energy economy that will create millions of green jobs for American workers in clean energy industries.
Cut waste and save billions of dollars in energy costs for consumers and businesses by increasing energy efficiency across the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry. The enhanced Renewable Electricity Standard and Energy Efficiency Resource Standard alone will create 522,000 jobs and result in $170 billion in savings for consumers and businesses.
Reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and make our country energy independent through the development and use of clean renewable energy.
Limit global warming pollution and provide strong incentives for clean companies to prosper. The bill uses the same bi-partisan approach put in place to fight acid rain in 1990, supported by the first President Bush, after which electricity rates fell 10 percent and the U.S. economy added 16 million jobs.
While the bill is very comprehensive and is the first climate legislation to reach for science-based targets to tackle global warming, it can and should be made even better to:
Make stronger commitment to boldly confront global warming in the immediate and near-future. While the bill meets the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s long-term target of cutting global warming gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, its near-term goal by 2020 is a 30% reduction, which could rely heavily on emission offsets that may be unreliable in reducing global warming pollution. The near-term 2020 emission target cuts should be at least 35% below current levels with strictly limited offsets to better meet the immediate threat of global warming to our economy and national security.
Protect taxpayers from paying for polluters’ mess. There should be 100% auctions of carbon emissions to guarantee that pollutions are paid for by the polluters, not taxpayers.
Move beyond dirty coal energy. The bill relies on eventual pollution performance standards for new plants, but even with these carbon sequestration standards, coal will still be the dirtiest fuel on the planet. Since public funding for new plants with unproven CCS (“clean coal”) technology is not contingent on a high performance, the bill could funnel public money into large dirty energy projects. We will advocate for an immediate moratorium on new coal-burning plants that emit carbon pollution. Instead of funding new dirty coal plants, public funding should instead support clean renewable energy and efficiency projects that are already commercialized, proven, and affordable.
Provide opportunities and assistance to vulnerable communities. The bill should ensure that we maximize the creation of good, green-collar jobs and provide educational and job training assistance and tools necessary to pave the pathways into them, especially for workers and communities in older industries that are highly reliant on carbon based energy. In addition to new job opportunities, Low- and middle-income households must receive rebates to compensate for increased energy costs. We must also assist vulnerable communities worldwide as they adapt to the changing climate and transition into a low-carbon economy.
Reducing fossil fuel dependence is good for our economy, good for our environment. Inaction costs too much.
Last year, Washington spent over $16 billion importing fossil fuels into our state. That’s twice the size of the deficit that’s currently hamstringing our state budget. Climate policy will take our energy dollars back and reinvest them in our economic recovery.
The costs of climate disruption – flooding, forest fires, and droughts – are already hurting our economy and they’re going to get worse. A recent University of Oregon study shows that the cost of unmitigated climate change will be almost $4 billion per year for Washington in 2020, or about $1,250 per household per year in added expenses.
Climate change is already hurting Washington’s economy. The most expensive thing we can do – for our economy and for the state’s taxpayers – is nothing.
Action on climate change creates jobs.
In a challenging economic climate, companies working in clean energy and energy efficiency -- like McKinstry Co. -- are hiring.
We don’t want to be Detroit. The auto industry failed to adapt and now it’s fighting for survival. Successful businesses see what’s coming, adapt to new circumstances, and profit. This policy set forth in this legislation both drives and rewards that innovation.
The green economy is already employing more than 47,000 people in Washington. Washington and Oregon could add between 41,000-63,000 new clean energy jobs by 2025. This legislation would spark that job growth.
Now is the time.
·The science is clear. Taking action now is absolutely essential to avoiding catastrophic climate change.
·With conclusive international climate negotiations in Copenhagen less than 8 months away, this may well be the last, best hope for climate action strong enough to prevent catastrophic disruption. And the single biggest factor in the success of those negotiations is whether the U.S. antes up with a serious national climate policy, including a firm, science-based cap on climate pollution.
--East King County
Kirkland Reporter (200 words max) Print edition on Wednesdays; online LTEs printed daily cwood@kirklandreporter.com
Redmond Reporter (no word limit, but they may edit) Print edition published Wednesdays & Saturdays; online LTEs printed daily bchristianson@redmond-reporter.com
Yakima Herald
If you submit the letter, please send it to: opinion@yakimaherald.com
Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line and please add your name, address, day phone (and title if a pastor and that’s appropriate.)
To be considered for publication, letters must be no more than 200 words and may be edited for grammar and clarity. Longer letters, up to 500 words, will appear on yakimaherald.com.
--North King County
Bothell Reporter/ Kenmore Reporter (250 words max) Print edition on Wednesdays; online letters once a week anystrom@bothell-reporter.com
--Kitsap County
Bainbridge Island Review (250 words max suggested) Print edition Fridays; online LTEs also printed Fridays editor@bainbridgereview.com
Bremerton Patriot, Central Kitsap Reporter (Same editor, make a note if you want it submitted to both – No word max given) editor@bremertonpatriot.com
