Climate 411

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.

As interns for the National Climate Campaign, one of our responsibilities is to deliver letters from constituents directly to their senators.  We go to Capitol Hill everyday, carrying hundreds of letters and petitions, hoping to pass on the word to Senators that citizens in their states support comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation.

We all love being a part of this awesome process.   We know that people in the environmental community support a strong, comprehensive clean energy bill but we have been blown away with the influx of letters from Americans from all walks of life calling for clean energy.

Single moms, factory workers and concerned students alike are writing in to tell their senators that clean energy and climate are important to them.  And we’re just happy to be able to pass their sentiments along. Here is just one of the great letters we have come across so far:

Time is running out with the Senate vote set for mid-July.

Please go here for details on how to get your letters into Senators hands ASAP.

-The National Climate Campaign Interns: Olivia Rogan, Lian Han, Kyle Hertzberg and Anna Pickren