We Need Clean Energy Now

With the Senate in session in September, our Senators need to hear from you. Please let them know that failing to pass a comprehensive climate and clean-energy policy, and attempts to undermine the Clean Air Act’s authority to cut climate pollution are unacceptable. 

Ask your Senators to support the clean-energy policies still on the table that could move forward this year:  Homestar and Vehicle Electrification will help to reduce climate pollution while building our clean-energy economy:

More information and action on Vehicle Electrification

• Take action on Vehicle Electrification
• Electrification Roadmap
• Economic Impact of the Electrification Roadmap

More information on HOMESTAR

More information on the Clean Air Act

Call your Senators and President Obama today. Please be sure to emphasize who you are: business person, farmer, sportsmen, person of faith, veteran, grandparent, etc. when you call.

WA - Senator Cantwell: (202) 224-3441

WA - Senator Murray: (202) 224-2621

OR - Senator Merkely: (202) 224-3753

OR - Senator Wyden: (202) 224-5244

MT - Senator Baucus: (202) 224-2651

MT - Senator Tester: (202) 224-2644

ID - Senator Crapo: (202) 224-6142

ID - Senator Risch: (202) 224-2752

Other states - Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121

President Obama - (202) 456-1111

After you make your calls, sign up to stay engaged.  You’ll receive action alerts from Climate Solutions and 1Sky. 
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So, where are we in the federal effort to put a cap on global warming pollution while building a robust clean energy economy?  

• On June 3, Climate Solutions released polling results that show Northwest voters approve a Senate bill that advances clean energy and calls for a cap on greenhouse-gas emissions.  Learn more about this release and our tele-press conference here.
  

• The House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) in June of last year.   Broadly speaking this bill calls for a 17% reduction in global warming emissions by 2020 and 80% by 2050.  The bill has many other provisions: some that Climate Solutions supports whole-heartedly – investments in our clean energy economy, renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, and consumer protections - and some that we are less enthusiastic about, such as excessive offsets and allocated permits to fossil fuel industries.  But even with its flaws, ACES would mark a revolutionary change in our climate and energy policy.  Along with many of you, Climate Solutions worked hard with our members of Congress in the Northwest to get the best bill possible. In the end, we enthusiastically supported passage of this bill as did 12 Republicans including Rep. Reichert from Washington’s 8th Congressional District.
  
  
• A national climate policy is one of the few issues that continues to enjoy bi-partisan support in both chambers. This year, Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) has been tirelessly working on a climate bill with his colleagues Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Senator John Kerry (D-MA).  And, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has been working with her colleague Senator Maria Cantwell (D- Washington) on a climate bill.  Senator Olympia Snowe (R- Maine) has recently signaled potential support as well.   Unlike health care, it has always been clear that the only way to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate policy is to develop a truly bi-partisan approach.
  
  
• Twenty-two Senators -- including many moderate and swing Democrats -- recently signed on to a letter calling for action on a comprehensive bill this year. "Our lack of a comprehensive clean energy policy hurts job creation and increases regulatory uncertainty throughout the economy," the Senators wrote. "Businesses are waiting on clean signals from Congress before investing billions in energy, transportation, manufacturing, buildings and other sectors. America's competitiveness and export strength are also at stake.” Climate Solutions is proud that we helped ensure that five of the 22 Senators that signed on to show support for action this year were from our region.