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

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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

Last evening the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act by a 33 to 25 bipartisan vote.

This legislation would establish a new U.S. energy policy that avoids continuing dependence on foreign oil and builds a new, domestic clean technology manufacturing base to supply wind, solar, and other renewable energy. It will also take significant steps toward combating the climate crisis by limiting carbon pollution.

When the people lead, leaders will follow.  In a new poll by National Wildlife Federation, Americans strongly support legislative proposals that invest in clean energy and cap global warming pollution. We’ve demonstrated that by working together we can make a huge difference in the outcome of this historic effort.

Larry Schweiger

 

Representatives from the National Alliance of Forest Owners were in Washington, D.C. this week to discuss renewable energy and climate change with Congressional leaders.

National Wildlife Federation and National Alliance of Forest Owners endorse the Forest Climate Working Group policy platform, which says that U.S. forests must play a central role in our national climate strategy. America’s forests and forest products annually sequester and store 10 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions.  Healthy forests provide an essential contribution toward helping confront the climate crisis.

Larry Schweiger

Addressing climate change isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a national security imperative.

A report released today entitled Powering America’s Defense: Energy and the Risks to National Security highlights warnings from top military leaders that our current pathway is perilous and that our country needs to set a course for a new energy future.

The nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and our "fragile" electric grid pose security threats to our nation and are "exploitable by those who wish to do us harm."

A new poll by National Wildlife Federation finds that two-thirds of all registered supporters support elements of a comprehensive climate and energy plan that will put America on the path to a new energy future, including new standards for energy efficiency, requirements on utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, capping carbon pollution and requiring energy companies to reduce carbon pollution by 20 percent over the next decade, and a "smart grid" to transmit renewable energy sources.

Larry Schweiger

I'm one of the contributors over at the National Journal's Energy & Environment Experts Blog. Here's the question posed today:

Does the [Waxman-Markey] proposal go far enough to promote the use of renewable electricity? Would all states reasonably be expected to meet the 15 percent renewable mandate? How would it affect the electricity industry? Will it create winners and losers? Is there a better way to push for more renewable electricity?

Here's how I started my response:

The latest renewable energy standard in the Waxman-Markey Bill (20 percent by 2020) would be an important step forward for creating high-paying domestic jobs while reducing our reliance on fossil-fuels. The National Wildlife Federation would like to see a stronger RES, as this proposal would allow states to meet as much as 8 percent through energy efficiency. This is expected to result in slightly more renewable electricity than what the existing state requirements would accomplish in the best case.

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

-- Larry Schweiger

I want to share this TV clip of Taylor Francis, who is being recognized as one of 6 courageous people changing the planet.

I first met Taylor when he was 14 at The Climate Project training with Al Gore. Since then, Taylor has trained over 20,000 of his fellow teens with his message that the climate crisis is both the biggest challenge facing his generation and also the greatest opportunity.

Taylor traveled to China to take his message there. He spoke to thousands of students in China about global warming and brought Chinese students to PowerShift in Washington D.C.

Watch and see what one person can do.

Larry Schweiger