Supporting A Clean Energy Economy

(Washington, DC) — Rep. Wasserman Schultz voted in favor of new clean energy jobs and energy independence today, helping to pass H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.  This legislation will revitalize our nation’s economy by creating millions of new jobs, increasing our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and preserving our planet by reducing the pollution that causes global warming.  

“This bill combines two important needs in this country—the need for a stronger economy with more jobs for Americans, and the need for an independent energy economy that doesn’t rely on foreign oil,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “The American Clean Energy and Security Act implements innovative ideas to solve these needs.”

We are on the cusp of a global energy revolution.  As other countries invest in alternatives to oil, becoming global leaders in solar cell technology, wind turbines, and photovoltaic technology, America has fallen behind.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act will help the American market regain its global competitive advantage by investing in alternatives to foreign oil and petroleum products.   By securing our place as global leaders in the energy technologies of the future, American workers and American companies will ensure lasting jobs that cannot be outsourced, and an economy that does not depend on harmful pollutants.

This legislation cuts the use of oil and petroleum products by two million barrels a day in 2030—as much as we currently import from the Persian Gulf. It frees American industry, workers and consumers from being held hostage to energy pricing manipulation by foreign governments.

At the same time, the bill will protect consumers from the fluctuating costs of oil and gas. Indeed, Florida Power and Light (FPL) – a supporter of the legislation – believes that its electricity rates will not be affected at all over the next decade, and only minimally after that.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also estimated that the cost of the entire program will be less than one postage stamp a day for the American people.  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) also has said that the legislation will not increase the deficit.

The legislation invests in our future by reducing future carbon emissions, helping to reduce the effects of global warming—something that scientists say could raise sea levels and gravely impact huge portions of Florida’s low-lying coastal regions.

“We are investing in the future of our country, the future of our state, and our children’s future,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “We are helping the environment by creating economies for wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass, but we will also help the American worker by ensuring that our nation is the leader in the clean energy jobs of the future.”

The legislation is supported by a historic coalition of environment and consumer organizations, manufacturing and labor organizations, and consumer and utility organizations.