Call Congress Now!

The House of Representatives will vote this Friday on landmark legislation to reduce global warming pollution and invest in clean energy and green jobs. Passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would be an enormous step forward towards a more just and prosperous clean energy future, but for America to fully address the challenges and opportunities we face, its passage must be the first step of many.

First things first, we're asking you to call your Representatives today and tell them to strengthen and pass the AmericanClean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR 2454, "ACES").

Click HERE to take action now.

While the long-term target of reducing emissions 83% below 2005 levels by 2050 is of the order demanded by science, the interim target of 17% reductions by 2020 is simply not enough, and further is weakened by carbon offsets provisions in the bill. Call your Representative now and ask them to increase the short-term emissions reduction target.

ACES does have a renewable electricity standard (RES), but it is presently too low to drive needed investments in clean energy development and deployment. Call your Representative now and ask them to increase the RES to 30%.

Recently the Supreme Court ruled that EPA can regulate CO2 emissions, and EPA has found that CO2 emissions are in fact a threat to public health, ACES in its present form would take away EPA's authority to regulate point-sources of global warming pollution, including power plants. Call your Representative now and ask them to restore EPA's authority.

Focus the Nation commends the tremendous work of Chairmen Waxman and Markey and other members of Congress to create a bill that conforms both to scientifically-based long-term emissions reductions targets and the political reality of the 111th Congress. We support the passage of this bill, but remain committed to strengthening all aspects of America's response to climate change in the coming months and years.

The fact that ACES has made it this far is a sign of our movement's growing influence and success. ACES is far from perfect, however, it reflects the political reality in Congress and tells us that we need to keep going. In order to keep the momentum going, stay in touch with FTN HQ and let us know how we can support your activism in the coming weeks.

Thanks for everything you do.

Sincerely,

The Focus the Nation Team