Ignoring Climate Change is America's Most Expensive Option

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Climate Solutions, Montana Audubon, Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation

Congress has cleared a very significant hurdle towards building America's clean energy future that will create jobs, cut our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce carbon pollution.  Congress passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) out of committee, and now the full House will likely vote on the bill in the next two weeks.

Three ways you can help:

1. Urge Montana's Representative Dennis Rehberg to Vote "YES" on HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) Send an email to Representative Rehberg today (http://www.rehberg.house.gov/contact.shtml) or call: (202) 225-3211 and urge him to Vote "YES" on HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). 

We know Representative Dennis Rehberg is a tough vote for ACES.  But if he doesn't hear from us - Montana voters from across the state - he won't even consider voting for it.

2. Once passed by the House, this bill will move quickly to the Senate, which is already considering other energy legislation.  It's not too soon to urge Senators Baucus and Tester to work for strengthened climate legislation that includes key components of the House version.  Ask them to support stronger renewable energy standards, increased investments in energy efficiency, and one that creates more clean energy jobs.

Sen. Max Baucus: max@baucus.senate.gov  or call: (202) 224-2651

Sen. Jon Tester: jon@tester.senate.gov or call: (202) 224-2644

3. We need letters to the editor on clean energy and ACES.  To help, click HERE!

Background:

Carbon pollution, mainly from fossil fuel development - coal, oil and gas -  has led to major impacts to human health, communities and natural resources.  America's reliance on foreign oil threatens our national security.  Doing nothing will cost more in damage from droughts, spread of insect-borne diseases, more intense weather events like fires, hurricanes and storms, and increasing insurance rates.  We must invest a modest amount now to get cleaner air, greater energy security, and new, clean energy jobs.

And we must pass strong climate legislation now so we stand a fighting chance of a new, effective international  climate change agreement in Copenhagen in December.  The world needs our leadership.

What ACES does:

-          Puts a cap on carbon, reducing carbon pollution from major U.S. sources by at least 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 83% by 2050.

-          Promotes clean energy by requiring that 20% of electricity comes from energy efficiency and renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2020.

-          Creates jobs by investing in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency.

-          Improves energy-efficiency in buildings, appliances, and industry that will save consumers money, create jobs and lower pollution emissions.

-          Protects consumers from energy price increases by controlling rates, investing in energy efficiency, and providing energy rebates and tax credits.

-          Provides significant revenue to safeguard wildlife and natural resources from the effects of global warming.

DELAY IS NOT AN OPTION.  AMERICA MUST BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER IN CLEAN ENERGY FOR THE 21^ST CENTURY AND REDUCE CARBON POLLUTION.