Energy bill introduced today

Today Rep. Henry Waxman, chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Ed Markey introduced draft clean energy and climate change legislation. This is an important first step to passing a comprehensive energy bill that will spur a new green energy economy and curb global warming pollution.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 recognizes that limiting global warming pollution will bring about a clean energy economy that creates jobs, improves our national security and protects our planet – and as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Upton will play a key role in helping to shape this critical legislation.

Call Rep. Upton toll free at 1-866-440-1321 and urge him to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

Reality Check: Climate policies create jobs

At a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today, Rep. Upton claimed that climate legislation could cost U.S. jobs. But in reality solving the climate crisis will be the biggest economic boon to our nation in generations. Instead of importing billions of barrels of oil each year, America could be exporting millions of windmills and solar panels around the world.

More than 8.5 million workers are already employed in clean energy related jobs. With the right policies and investments, that number could jump to 40 million in just 20 years. The vast majority of jobs created by clean energy are standard jobs for accountants, engineers, computer analysts, clerks, factory works, truck drivers and mechanics. Because it is labor-intensive, investment in renewable energy creates more jobs than coal, oil or nuclear projects.

Call the Rep. Fred Upton at (202) 225-3761. Tell him the faster we cut pollution and transition to clean energy, the more people we’ll put to work.