I’m heartened by this evening’s vote by the House of Representatives to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The bill passed with a 219 to 212 bipartisan vote.

This is the most important conservation vote in a generation. Thanks to all who worked to ensure passage of this bill to invest in a clean energy economy, reduce global warming pollution and protect America’s wildlife and natural heritage. Now we take this cause to the Senate with the winds of change at our back.

Larry Schweiger

Debate has begun in the House of Representatives on the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act. This bill is the most comprehensive climate and clean energy bill to ever make it this far in Congress. The vote will be very close and is not yet decided. Every ounce of preparation we have put into preparing for this moment has been needed and is being put to use. Our opponents are spending tons of money to scare Representatives and the public. This is as tight as they come.

There are two quick, but critical actions you can take right now to help ensure that this unprecedented legislation reaches the finish line today:

1. Even though you've already emailed your Congressmember, making a direct phone call to his/her office right now will ensure s/he hears just how important this legislation is to you as a constituent: http://online.nwf.org/site/R?i=023FjFbuoQgaKt45RWeCZQ.

2. For your friends, family members and followers online, encourage them to speak up today for one of the most critical pieces of legislation of our time: http://online.nwf.org/site/R?i=eedetTiY-RoSPVxxQAp33w.

Thank you for the critical role you've played in conservation history by helping get this legislation across the finish line today.

Larry Schweiger

Jeremy Symons, Senior Vice President of Conservation and Education Programs at National Wildlife Federation, was on CBS’s Washington Unplugged today. When asked why we need the American Clean Energy and Security Act now, Jeremy said: “Fundamentally there’s no better time with the economy where it is. We need to create new jobs - 1.7 million clean energy jobs will be created from this bill and the stimulus package. We are fortunate to have leaders that have the leadership to go ahead and take on tough issues. It’s a fundamental choice - at the end of the day, do we give in to the scare and fear of change or do we move forward with a new energy plan for America that creates jobs, helps our energy security and protects the environment for our children’s future?” Jeremy’s right. Now is the time to take this step forward on the path to a new energy economy. Click here to send your representative a message and let them know you support final passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Larry Schweiger

Watch CBS Videos Online

I’m one of the contributors to the National Journal’s Energy & Environment Experts Blog. Here’s the question posed this week:

Last week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved an expansive energy bill that has something for everyone to like -- or hate.

The bill would require at least 15 percent of the electricity sold in America to come from renewable sources. It would allow offshore drilling near Florida, and it includes subsidized loans and loan guarantees for a variety of technologies, including nuclear power. The package also would expand the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's power to pave the way for a national "smart grid" transmission system.

What are the most promising provisions in the legislation? What are the problem spots? Should the Senate consider the energy package on its own, or should the bill be bundled into a bigger climate change bill?

Which provisions should the House embrace as it votes on energy and climate change legislation?

Here’s my response.

The National Wildlife Federation can’t support the Senate’s American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 in its present form. While support the bill’s appliance efficiency and building code provisions, the renewable electricity standard should be ramped up to ensure it drives a real and significant expansion of clean, made-in-America renewable energy. In addition, electric transmission reforms should promote renewable energy development and include safeguards to protect our natural resources.

Two provisions should be stripped from the Senate bill entirely. The high-carbon fuels exemption for Canadian tar sands would take us backwards on global warming. And the bill should not overturn the 2006 bipartisan compromise that prohibited oil & gas drilling off Florida’s east coast until 2022.

The Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy & Security Act moving through the House provides much better tools (PDF) answer to our economic, energy and climate crises.

I hope you can take a minute to visit the National Journal blog to read my full response.

Larry Schweiger

Download GG Pass ACES Letter Final6-22-09_1

Last night, Congressional leaders launched the process to put the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) to a vote this Friday. National Wildlife Federation and many other organizations support final passage of this historic Act. Our focus for the House this week is simple: pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454). 

It is shaping up to be a close final vote on the bill. We are in position to win, but a win is not guaranteed. We are working with our allies in an all-out effort to pass this legislation and share the message that this is Congress’ opportunity to work together to put America on the path to energy independence and protect our environment.

When we work together, Americans can solve any problem. Please continue your work and your outreach to your representatives this week, urging them to support final passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This is the most important legislation for our children's future of our time. Thank you.

Larry Schweiger

Today the U.S. Global Change Research Program released a report on climate change impacts in the United States. This is the most comprehensive report on U.S impacts and is broken out by region and sector. The report is available at www.globalchange.gov/usimpacts.

\At the White House briefing today, NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco said this report "…demonstrates that climate change is happening now, it’s happening in our own back yard, and it’s affecting the things we care about."

This is why it’s’ important to act now to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which has more than 30 tools to confront the climate crisis and reduce global warming.

Larry Schweiger

Over the weekend, I was proud to join the community of Zionsville, Indiana at the dedication of a sign honoring their Community Wildlife Habitat. I joined Elizabeth Mueller, the Zionsville resident who started the Certified Community Habitat process in town and led the effort; John Goss, Executive Director of Indiana Wildlife Federation; and Becky Sheibelhut, former Board member of National Wildlife Federation.

The Zionsville Certified Habitat is the first Community Habitat in Indiana and is one of only 32 in the nation. Certified habitats are so important not only for wildlife but to help get kids and the rest of us outdoors. Did you know that the according to a recent study, the average American child spends more than six hours a day in front of a computer or TV screen? The Zionsville community habitat is one step toward getting kids out of doors and teaching them about nature. Find out how you can start a community wildlife habitat like Zionsville’s at National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat site.

I also attended the Indiana Wildlife Federation’s 2009 Conservation Awards Banquet. Their work to create a network of sportsmen’s groups in Indiana engaged on climate and energy issues is helping Indiana and the region be leaders in clean energy technology that will reduce global warming pollution and create millions of new jobs in America. The Indiana Wildlife Federation’s leadership to help Indiana and America find a better way to power our future and a better way to protect our planet is at the heart of what makes National Wildlife Federation’s affiliate partnerships successful. John Goss, Executive Director of Indiana Wildlife Federation, was honored as National Wildlife Federation’s Charlie Shaw Award winner this year for his leadership.

Larry