Climate 411

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.”

Post-gazette.com – “We must change our oil-guzzling ways”

By Aaron Misera of Lower Burrel

“The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is obviously a terrible incident. However, it truly is a metaphor for America and our arrogance toward energy and environmental policy, not to mention the American lifestyle. Our unquenchable thirst for cheap, dirty, limited fuel pushes our ingenuity and technology to create a disaster.”

“Oil is limited, but our ingenuity and drive are endless, so let’s use these for the better of our society and change ourselves.”

NewHavenRegister.com – “China’s solar lead should spur US”

By Bruce Deegan of North Branford

“As the ongoing catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico continues, it’s pretty obvious how badly we need to begin moving away from dependence on oil and toward a future of cleaner, renewable energy. This would not only be a valuable source of desperately needed jobs, but also create a more sustainable future.”

“The time for dithering is over; now’s the time for Congress to enact a transformative energy policy that can sensibly and reliably meet the needs of our nation for the 21st century.”

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.