Earth Day Celebrations Marked by Debate Over Bold Clean Energy Economy Legislation

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2009

Takoma Park, MD – Today, 1Sky and earth-conscious activists are celebrating Earth Day in support of passing a bold federal legislation in 2009 that will invest in building a clean energy economy to create millions of green-collar jobs and reduce global warming emissions for a more sustainable human habitat.

1Sky is working with key members of Congress to help strengthen the draft bill under consideration in a key congressional committee: The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), authored by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA).  While the draft bill is comprehensive and strong, 1Sky believes that it is Congress’ responsibility to our nation, the world, and future generations to make it as effective as possible before it goes to vote.

“Earth Day is an appropriate day for Americans and Congress to commit to boldly and responsibly move our country forward to a clean energy economy for the future of our planet in which our children and grandchildren will live in,” said Gillian Caldwell, 1Sky’s campaign director. “While Big Oil and Big Coal have unleashed legions of lobbyists to pressure Congress to keep the status quo, we are encouraging Americans to stand up for a clean energy future and for green jobs here at home.”

The Waxman-Markey clean energy legislation draft is also intended to cut waste and save consumers and businesses hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs through increased energy efficiency and make our country less dependent on foreign oil.

1Sky activists are urging their members of Congress to support and pass a clean energy bill that includes: (1) ensuring no giveaways to polluters, (2) reducing its dependence on unreliable offsets to meet pollution reduction targets, (3) moving boldly beyond dirty coal, and (4) providing opportunities and investments to allow smooth transition to clean energy economy for workers, families, businesses, and vulnerable populations at home and abroad.