American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act

Congress will be voting on the most significant U.S. climate bill in history, which would cap global warming pollution and establish the framework for a clean-energy economy.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has fast-tracked consideration of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill. Your congressman, Representative McDermott, will likely be voting on the bill on the House floor next week. It’s essential that he hear from his constituents now in support of the bill.

Please call Congressman McDermott at 202.225.3106, and ask him to "pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) without any weakening amendments."

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Pass HR 2454

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am a person of faith, a member of the Lutheran Public Policy Office network, and a resident of Washington State. Climate change is a priority for me and I am asking the Congressman to pass the American Clean Energy Security Act (HR 2454).

I am concerned at efforts to weaken this bill, so I am especially asking the Congressman to pass this bill without any weakening amendments.

This is our best opportunity, ever, for transformative policy to drive a new energy economy for the 21st century. And our best opportunity to secure a healthy planet for our children.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 18, 2009


Background Information

Congress will be voting on the most significant U.S. climate bill in history, which would cap global warming pollution and establish the framework for a clean-energy economy.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has fast-tracked consideration of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill. Your congressman, Representative McDermott, will likely be voting on the bill on the House floor next week. It’s essential that he hear from his constituents now in support of the bill.

(These points are taken from the ELCA e-Advocacy alert from 6/12.  Go here for additional info and to read the full alert.)

"On the whole, ACES represents an important first step in addressing climate change by putting in place mandatory caps on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are causing our climate to change and temperatures to grow warmer...

The ELCA and the faith community have urged cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of between 25 and 40 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. The bill will meet our long term goal for reducing emissions; however...it does fall short in reaching our short term emissions reduction goals.

Another important goal for the ELCA in climate legislation was to ensure that low income Americans do not bear the heaviest burden as we move to cleaner energy sources in the form of higher energy costs, and ACES meets this objective. It provides assistance to ease the financial burden that low income families—those whose household income is in the bottom fifth of all U.S. families—will bear as we transition to a more just and sustainable future...

In summary, ACES, although not a perfect bill, will begin the important work of transforming our energy economy to cleaner sources; will take on the critical task of reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions; and will limit the impact of both of these actions on those living in poverty around the globe."