Take Action
We have an historic opportunity to build a new clean energy economy to save us money, create good paying jobs, and start getting a handle on climate-changing carbon pollution. We have never before had this opportunity. The U. S. House already passed climate change legislation. Now our Senators are working on clean energy legislation and they need to hear from us.
The large, international oil and coal corporations have spent millions lobbying to weaken and stop any clean energy bill in Congress. This spending will only increase as we get closer to votes in the Senate. Here are actions you can take to help get a strong clean energy bill through Congress:
- Call Senator Baucus' and Senator Tester's offices TODAY and urge them to support a strong clean energy bill.
They're hearing plenty from the other side - they need to hear from you.
- Talk to our Congressional delegation! Our Congressional delegation is home for the August recess, when they will be meeting with Montanans across the state. This is a great opportunity to talk to our Senators at public meetings and events to support strong and meaningful clean energy legislation.
- Write a letter to the editor - and copy it to Senators Baucus and Tester!
Talking points for letters:
a. The benefits of moving to a clean energy economy are huge. Montana households would benefit from investments in clean energy with expanded job opportunities, rising wages, and reduced home heating and utility costs. The jobs are diverse and many have historically been well-paying, allowing more Montanans to support themselves and their families. Clean energy investments create three times the jobs as the same level of investment in fossil fuels.
b. Fuel savings over time allow investments in renewable energy to pay for themselves. Renewable energy can save scarce water resources, compared to fossil fuel-generated electricity. Planning as to facility location, improved forecasting, provision of backup and reserve capacities and appropriate extension of transmission and distribution grids, along with improved efficiency and capacity, help make renewable energy a reliable energy source.
c. Carbon pollution has led to impacts to human health, communities and natural resources. 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.
d. Delay is not an option. America's reliance on foreign oil threatens our national security. We must invest a modest amount now to get cleaner air, greater energy security, and new energy jobs. America must become a global leader in clean energy for the 21st century.
- Sign MCV's Clean Energy Jobs Petition.
