I just posted online this press release with our reaction to the Waxman-Markey draft climate bill unveiled this morning. Here are some excerpts:

“This is the first bill to come out of Congress that reaches for science-based targets in reducing global warming pollution, and we look forward to working hard with our allies in Congress to strengthen it in the coming months.”

Gillian on the economic benefits of the policies contained in the draft bill:

“The road out of this economic crisis clearly runs straight through a clean energy economy,” said Caldwell, “This draft legislation will provide good paying jobs to build the wind farms, solar panels, and hybrid cars of the new economy, and will help us develop and install energy-saving technology for our homes, our businesses, and export markets abroad,” she added. “It is clear, that our champions in Congress understand that the costs of acting now are far smaller than they will be later if we don't act immediately to turn our economy in the right direction.”

And on what's happening on the ground during the April congressional recess:

“To propel the green economy bill forward in the House and Senate, 1Sky and our allies will be meeting with Energy and Commerce Committee members in their districts and asking them to make the bill stronger when it comes to provisions regarding offsets, global warming pollution reductions under the domestic cap, and coal. The April congressional recess provides a unique opportunity for people all across the nation to meet with their federal Representatives and Senators and advocate for a bold transition to a new green economy,” said Caldwell.