American Clean Energy and Security Act

The American Clean Energy and Security Act is the first major environmental legislation proposed in nearly 20 years.  This week, lawmakers began hearings on the bill that could significantly change how the U.S. produces and uses energy.

Interestingly, Earth Day was born right around the time that the first major U.S. environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act were enacted in the early 1970s.  Not since Acid Rain mobilized the country in the early 1990s have we seriously considered new laws to protect the environment.

Am I the only one that finds that fact incredible?

Unfortunately, the fervor associated with environmental protection has waned in the past 20-30 years since most of the country’s green legislation was passed.  In the 70s and 80s, things like choking smog and flaming rivers motivated the public and elected officials to pass protective legislation nearly unanimously.  Today, however, there is lingering doubt about global warming, and Republicans are opposed to more government regulation on issues related to the environment.

Observes Gus Speth, the organizer of the Natural Resources Defense Council in the 1970s:

“If carbon dioxide were brown, we wouldn’t have the same problem.  But it’s a subtle issue. . . . The problems are chronic, not acute, and it is largely invisible to people unless they’re reading the newspaper or checking the glaciers or going to the South Pole.”

The new law is proposed in large part to address issues related to global climate change.  It would limit emissions of greenhouse gases and require the alteration of America’s energy sources.  Many in Congress are pushing for action by the end of the year, before the UN meeting in Copenhagen.

photo credit: batsignal

The impetus behind the proposed bill includes rising sea levels, melting glaciers, heat waves and intense storms that are associated with global climate change, and which threaten public health, safety and welfare.  Says Ed Markey (D- Mass):

“The EPA concluded that our health and our planet are in danger.  Now is the time for Congress to create a clean energy cure.”

What would the new law do?

The over 600-page bill includes provisions to create a new clean-energy economy and to help wean us off of foreign oil supplies.  It includes measures to promote clean energy technology and give incentives to slow or stop deforestation around the world.

While we do have an energized Congress in place and backing from the public that desires some action on the environmental front, concerns include whether taxpayers can afford the global warming issue in the midst of the serious recession.  Still, we are facing realities like the fact that every year since 2001 has been among the 10 warmest years on record.

How can we afford not to act?  Do you not agree its time to “Build Baby Build” new renewable energy projects across the nation?

What is stopping us?

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Related posts:

1. Clean Energy: What Will Congress Approve?