Environmental groups call on President, Congress to pass climate bill this year

[ProSense]

President, Congress Must Lead on Comprehensive Clean Energy and Climate Policy, Leading Groups Say

Washington, DC (May 12, 2010) – The following groups today released this statement regarding U.S. Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman unveiling details of their comprehensive clean energy and climate proposal:

"Today's action by Senators John Kerry (Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (Conn.) jumpstarts the Senate debate over America's energy future. Their unwavering leadership has been critical to the progress made thus far. It is time for America's leaders to get serious about a comprehensive clean energy and climate policy that will reduce our oil dependence, enhance our security, revitalize our economy and protect our environment.

"Every day the Senate fails to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation we put our economy, our national security and our environment at greater risk. Americans overwhelmingly support action on clean energy and climate. Inaction is too costly, and the challenge is too urgent. The Gulf Coast oil catastrophe is yet another reminder that the United States must reduce its dependence on oil to protect our security, economy and environment.

"The millions of Americans we represent demand a Senate vote on comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. President Obama and leaders of both parties in Congress must provide the leadership necessary to develop a clean energy and climate solution that becomes law this year."

Alliance for Climate Protection
Audubon
Center for American Progress Action Fund
Ceres
Climate Solutions
Defenders of Wildlife
ENE (Environment Northeast)
Environment America
Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Law and Policy Center
Fresh Energy
Green For All
League of Conservation Voters
National Tribal Environmental Council
National Wildlife Federation
Natural Resources Defense Council
The Nature Conservancy
Oxfam America
Sierra Club
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
The Wilderness Society
Union of Concerned Scientists
World Wildlife Fund

[Umbral]

1. Yeah, most environmental advocacy groups agree - It's better to pass a crappy bill than none at all

Where have I heard that before?

[ProSense]

3. Alternatively, most environmental groups agree: it's better to do nothing.

Kill the bill. Climate crisis? What climate crisis?

Sometimes the stupidity burns.

[amborin]

2. environmental groups condemn the bill as massive corporate giveaway to worst polluters

[karynnj]

4. Did you take a look at the OP - those are most of the major environmental groups

The reason these compromises must be made is because so many DEMOCRATIC Senators demanded the money to big coal. I posted the letter from DU favorites like Feingold and Franken that demanded that - and the majority of posters favored the letter writers!

When the idea that there could be a 15 cent a gallon additional tax on gas, people here responded with anger.

There was no big effort by the far left groups now complaining - only a few of them long term environmental groups - pushing people to lobby the Senators who were roadblocks.

Kerry, if it were just his vote that mattered, would write a greener bill than any other Senator - he has fought for the environment for at least 35 years. I didn't see you complaining when Feingold and other Democrats joined Johannes in passing an amendment that specified that reconciliation can not be used on this.

Tell me how else you get 60 votes.

[politicasista]

6. Nah, Can't mess with DU favorites

Still no answer to that question. Weird.

[beachmom]

5. Those groups also opposed the House bill (ACES)

They are not part of the process at all. I trust the above group far more. They are a prestigious group.

[ProSense]

7. More from Sierra Club

here