A big step on the long road to climate solutions

For decades, our national leaders have shied away from the challenge of making the urgently necessary transition from fossil fuel dependence to a new energy era. Deepening dependence on oil, coal, and gas has critically undermined our national security, drained our economy, and brought us to the edge of climate disruption. The time for anything but the boldest national commitment to climate solutions has expired.

Not a moment too soon, Congress is edging up to that commitment now. This vote is a clear sign that our national leaders are moving from denial to action. 

By passing ACES, the House has started the engines.Can our leaders accelerate fast enough and avoid the potholes – the special interest politics, the scare tactics, the fear of change – between here and the serious national solutions we need? 

For that to happen, the Senate will need to strengthen the bill by eliminating loopholes and charging up the new energy economy. The President doesn’t want to micromanage, but he will need to lead more aggressively to ensure that Congress delivers the goods. 

Political accommodation is part of the process; but at the end of the day, Congress must deliver the fundamentals: 1) a firm, science-based commitment to reduce fossil fuel dependence and climate pollution to safe levels, and 2) robust American leadership to build a strong, fair new energy economy that creates good jobs; and 3) a national policy commitment strong and just enough to set the stage for an effective global climate accord in Copenhagen this December. 

With this House vote on ACES, we are a critical step closer.  If our leaders use it as a step up – not a plateau – we just might get there.