Waxman-Markey Draft Climate Bill

The American Clean Energy and Security Act – The Climate Bill

On March 31, 2009, Chairman Henry A. Waxman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. Markey of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee released a long-awaited draft climate bill.

The four titles in the bill include:
    * A clean energy title that promotes renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, low-carbon fuels, clean electric vehicles, and the smart grid and electricity transmission;
    * An energy efficiency title that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry;
    * A global warming title that places limits on emissions of heat-trapping pollutants; and
    * A transitioning title that protects U.S. consumers and industry and promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.
 

Statement by VNRC’s National Affiliate — the National Wildlife Federation — on this important bill:

"Comprehensive Energy Plan Answers Call for Clean Energy Economy"
March 31, 2009

Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a discussion draft of comprehensive energy legislation that limits global warmingbpollution. The draft bill also includes a renewable electricity standard and improved energy efficiency rules. 

The proposal by Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) positions Congress to answer President Obama's call for comprehensive energy legislation. The discussion draft recognizes that we must move to a new energy economy.

"The plan recognizes our dependency on fossil fuels is a triple-threat to our economy, energy security and environment. We applaud Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey for providing the leadership to keep Congress on an ambitious timetable to achieve a clean energy future," said Joe Mendelson, global warming policy director at the National Wildlife Federation.

By repowering the country with clean energy solutions, the United States can create jobs, end our dependence on oil, and help avoid the consequences of global warming.

“As we repower America with clean energy made by Americans and for Americans, we must also hold polluters accountable by having enforceable limits on carbon pollution that are imperiling our planet.  And we must provide adequate funding to deal with the impacts of global warming on America’s natural areas, including our parks and forests," Mendelson said.


Check out the Waxman-Markey discussion draft of comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation here.

Click here for NWF's most recent assessment of the bill.