Policy and Legislation

A Clean Energy Economy

In Brief: The United States is on the verge of making real and lasting progress for our economy and our planet.

For far too long, our nation's leaders have failed to make tough decisions about energy. This short-sighted approach has put our economy, our security and our planet at risk.Today, we have leaders who are ready to face this challenge head-on and who believe, as we do, that our economy and our environment will prosper as a result. President Obama's energy and climate solutions will create clean energy jobs, jump-start the economy, and increase our energy independence.

The development of clean, renewable energy is the growth industry of the 21st century and President Obama has said that our economic future depends upon it. As we know, moving to clean energy and away from dirty fossil-fuels also reduces the pollution that is responsible for climate change. We have a lot to gain from the President's clean energy plan.

Clean, Green Jobs

President Obama's plan will create a clean energy sector and millions of new, well-paying jobs. Already there are 50,000 or more jobs in the wind industry alone here in the U.S. Investments in clean energy support a range of jobs from manufacturing, welding, technicians and other skilled labor, as well as engineers, marketing, sales and researchers. Workers are needed not only to install wind turbines and solar panels, but also to weatherize homes and buildings to make them more energy efficient -- jobs that can't be sent offshore.

American Innovation

The President's plan includes investments in American businesses that can help our nation compete with other countries that are currently leading on clean energy technology. Our nation has always been known as a place where great technological advancements and discoveries are made. With the right investments in innovation and jobs, we can become a leader on clean energy.

Energy Independence

The U.S. uses 25% of the oil consumed in the world today, yet we only have 3% of the world's supply. That means we send billions of dollars overseas every year to pay for the energy we get from oil alone. That money can remain in the U.S. if we develop alternatives to make our nation more energy independent. Reducing our dependence on oil will also increase our economic and national security.

Making Polluters Pay

Our nation's energy policy would not be complete if we fail to address the pollution that is created by dirty fossil fuel-based energy sources. It pollutes our rivers and streams, the water we drink and the air we breathe. It is also the driving force behind global warming. President Obama's plan will make corporations that pollute pay for the damage they have caused. Moving to clean energy will also cut down on the amount of pollution emitted.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act

On March 31, 2009, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey introduced the American Clean Energy and Security Act. President Obama has embraced the legislation which answers his call for a clean energy economy and American energy independence. The committee is expected to vote on the legislation before Memorial Day.