This is the Week, Let's Make it Ours
Have you ever thought about taking action on climate change and wondered, "does my voice really matter?" If so, then today is your day! Congress is about to vote on the most important piece of climate and energy legislation in years, and many members of the House of Representatives (especially the "Blue Dog" Democrats) remain undecided. Despite weeks of drafts and compromises to bring the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) to this point, much uncertainty about the bill and its fate remains. Many of our own partners in the faith community are unsatisfied with the aid provided to the most vulnerable developing nations to adapt to climate change, and some of the most progressive environmental groups claim that targets for emissions reductions and renewable energy are insufficient to the challenge we face. And of course, there are still those who refuse to take any action on climate and energy.To be clear, this bill is far from perfect. Still, the American Clean Energy and Security Act is a historic piece of legislation - the first climate bill to get to the House floor at all - and we must do all we can to strengthen the bill AND move the process forward. As we struggle to rebuild our economy, we need clean energy legislation to unleash investments and jobs building wind farms, installing solar panels, and weatherizing and retrofitting homes. These clean, green jobs will help get our country back on track and protect our planet.
As the landmark climate change report released last week and carbon calculator recently unveiled in Midtown Manhattan demonstrate yet again, this is a truly urgent issue. We are already seeing the effects of climate change - not just in low-lying or drought-prone regions around the world - but all across the U.S., and if we do not move forward now, we may not be able to avoid the worst impacts. So this is the time for action; the time for each and every one of us to speak up and call on our elected officials to lead the way to strong domestic laws, and a global deal on climate change at Copenhagen later this year.
Expect a week filled with long nights and hard fights on the Hill, and follow the debate - through the RAC's blog and special climate resources, Facebook, and Twitter pages - and on the front pages of your favorite news outlets and advocacy groups. Call or write your Member of Congress and urge him or her to take action for a clean energy future TODAY, and talk about the issue that brings you to the climate and energy debate (green jobs, environmental justice, clean energy, wildlife protection, etc). And, of course, let us know how we can help you make your voice even louder. Because if there was ever a time to speak up, this is it.