Climate 411

The Olympian- Letter to the Editor: We need a new vision of a clean energy economy

By Sisters Mimi Maloney and Katherine Gray, Olympia

“We need a new vision of a clean, green, renewable and sustainable economy that will create millions and millions of new jobs (that cannot be outsourced), even as we make the necessary transition to a post-petroleum world.”

“Powerful and vested interests will tell us there are no alternatives to our fossil fuel based economy, but there are, and together we can change, not only these stories, but the direction in which we are headed.”

Lexington Herald Leader– “Spill’s Clarity: Put a Price on Carbon”

“The disaster in the Gulf of Mexico reminds us — at the rate of more than a million gallons of spewing oil a day — why this country desperately needs a change of energy policy.”

“The best market-based way to reduce “climate pollution,” the heat-trapping gases produced by burning fossil fuels, is to impose a price on carbon. Legislation passed a year ago by the House, but stuck in the Senate, does that.”

The Voices of a New Clean Energy Future is a series from individuals who understand the importance of passing comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation – business leaders, politicians, policy experts, and concerned citizens like you. EDF is proud to highlight their voices and contributions to the climate and energy debate.

Maineville.com –“End the uncertainty”

By Milton O. McBreairty, Bangor

“Other nations are moving ahead rapidly to capture the clean energy jobs of the future, which is why it is so important for Congress to pass a comprehensive climate and clean energy bill this year. By some estimates, such a bill could result in millions of jobs across the country.”

“The longer Congress takes to act, the further behind we will be in our efforts to achieve energy independence.”

 The Voices of a New Clean Energy Future is a series from individuals who understand the importance of passing comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation – business leaders, politicians, policy experts, and concerned citizens like you. EDF is proud to highlight their voices and contributions to the climate and energy debate.

Star-Ledger– “Compromise could break stalemate on climate bill”

By Star-Ledger Editorial Board

“So if there is room for a compromise that can get us halfway toward a rational policy on climate, then by all means we should seize it.”

“Yesterday, after a meeting at the White House attended by 23 senators, a proposal emerged to limit carbon emissions from electric power plants only. They are responsible for about 40 percent of the nation’s emissions. That would be a good first step. A better bill sponsored by Sens. John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman would impose a broader limit through a cap-and-trade program.”

The Voices of a New Clean Energy Future is a series from individuals who understand the importance of passing comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation – business leaders, politicians, policy experts, and concerned citizens like you. EDF is proud to highlight their voices and contributions to the climate and energy debate.

Dot Earth has Nobel Prize winner Burton Richter discussing how President Obama and the Senate should work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“I would start with those parts of the economy where the way to make progress is clear, the potential gains are large, and the required regulations are relatively simple. To me this says: Start by focusing on cars, electricity generation and efficiency.”

E2 shows President Obama pushing Senators to include a cap on carbon in the final energy package they bring to the floor.

“’The president was very clear about putting a price on carbon and limiting greenhouse gas emissions,’ Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said outside the White House after the 90-minute meeting between Obama and a bipartisan group of about 20 senators.”

Also on E2, Senator Merkley explains that

“President Obama has stressed the importance of including a “cap and trade” system in forthcoming energy legislation.”