In his New York Times op-ed, David Brooks compares the current climate surrounding energy legislation with the struggle to build the transcontinental railroad. He notes that
“energy innovation is the railroad legislation of today. This country is studded with venture capitalists, scientists, corporate executives and environmental activists atremble over the great opportunities they see ahead. The energy revolution is a material project that arouses moral fervor — exactly the sort of enterprise at which Americans excel.”
He goes on to say:
“the best vehicle now is the American Power Act, drawn up by John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham.”
We believe, based on what we’ve seen the press, that the American Power Act is not just the best option, but also a great option its own right. It does incorporate its fair share of compromises however it also achieves what no other climate and energy legislation put forth to date has managed to do: it cuts pollution, spurs clean energy investment and provides a real path to 60 votes in the Senate.
Brooks acknowledges the bill’s imperfections as well as its strengths. He highlights the importance of America’s need to develop clean energy sources at home and asserts that that will only happen once regulations are firmly in place. He describes the clean energy investment market as a would-be juggernaut currently fettered by Congress.
Hopefully Washington will hear Brooks’s message, stop with the “political gamesmanship” as he calls it, and start taking the first steps towards our clean energy future by passing the American Power Act and putting a price on carbon.