1Sky goes to Capitol Hill to strengthen the clean energy bill

Yesterday, a team of 1Sky staffers, joined by 16 other climate-conscious organizations, went to Capitol Hill to talk about the importance of strengthening H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey clean energy bill. Our Policy Analyst Jason Kowalski, armed with third-day interns Melissa Rice, Rhiya Trivedi and me, collectively took on meetings with 15 House members. By the end of the day, we had held 200 meetings!

1Sky Policy Analyst Jason Kowalski and intern Rhiya Trivedi

The goal of the day was to convince House members to work to strengthen the bill and our message was clear: to have strong and effective climate legislation, the current bill must be strengthened by raising the renewable energy and energy efficiency standard (RES), giving the EPA authority to hold polluters accountable, and do more to create clean energy jobs.

I met with Representatives Bartlett (R-MD6), Ruppersberger (D-MD2), Murphy (D-PA8), Spratt (D-SC5), and Reichert (R-WA8), and while I’m confident that our message was heard, we still need to keep contacting our representatives to urge their support for strengthening the bill. Rep. Ruppersberger’s office appeared on-board, and the meeting was very encouraging. Although Reps. Murphy, Reichert, and Spratt still have concerns about the financial implications for their constituents, Murphy’s office was supportive of green jobs and raising the RES, and Bartlett has faith-based motivations to support climate legislation.

In a meeting with Rep. Hare’s office (D-IL17), our Intern Melissa found that several coal and utility lobbyists were putting on the pressure, but she says there’s clearly an opening to provide real data about the actual cost of the bill. Melissa also met with staff for Rep.Tsongas (D-MA5) and Rep. McGovern (D-MA3), and got positive feedback from both, although they still need a push to fully support strengthening the bill.

Overall the day was a success; a lot of meetings were held and the House is now thinking and talking more about a stronger climate bill. Next Friday, June 19th, 1Sky is encouraging everyone to hold rallies outside their representative’s office in support of a stronger climate bill. Call, write, and visit your member to explain why strengthening the American Clean Energy and Security Act is important to you and your district!