In late June, the House of Representatives took an historic vote to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation – and laid the groundwork for a nationwide plan that can rein in global warming pollution and establish a cleaner approach to our nation's energy system.
This legislation is a critical first step to curb global warming, reduce our dependence on oil and transition the United States to a clean energy economy. But now we need the Senate to strengthen and pass the House bill.
According to a new, peer-reviewed study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), if we combine energy and transportation policies with a strong limit or "cap" on carbon emissions, the United States could cut global warming pollution dramatically while saving households and businesses billions of dollars in energy costs.
We can reduce global warming pollution, break our dependence on oil and put Americans back to work – but we need all of our lawmakers on board. Please urge President Obama to play an active role in ensuring that Congress passes a strong, comprehensive climate and energy policy.
Dear President Obama,
Passing strong, comprehensive climate legislation remains key to putting Americans back to work, breaking our dependence on oil and protecting our climate. The House of Representatives recently took an historic first step by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Now we need the Senate to strengthen and pass the House bill. I am writing to urge you to tell senators that passage of a strong, science-based climate bill is a top priority for the administration and the country.
[Your personal comments will be added here.]
To maximize the potential benefits of climate action, this legislation should:
* Reduce U.S. global warming pollution by 35 percent below current levels by 2020 and at least 80 percent by 2050.
* Require utilities to generate at least 25 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources - such as the wind and sun - by 2025.
* Invest more money in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs that will save consumers money.
* Preserve the Environmental Protection Agency's existing authority to regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act.
* Ensure policies can be rapidly adjusted in response to emerging climate science.
We need the Obama administration to actively urge lawmakers to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year.
