hr 2454

Congressional Action Alert: Support Climate and Energy Legislation

Submitted by Bee on Wed, 06/24/2009 - 5:55pm

UPDATE: US HOUSE PASSES H.R. 2454 American Clean Energy and Security Act 219-212.

All Texas Republicans voted NO

Three Texas Democrats voted NO: Edwards, Ortiz and Rodriguez.

All other Texas Democrats voted YES.

See the whole vote count here

Find out about the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) here

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the "Waxman Markey" climate and energy bill as early as next week, before leaving town for the July 4th recess. The bill, named the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), would cap US greenhouse gas emissions and move the US toward a renewable energy future.

A new report by the federal US Global Change Research Program shows that climate change is already having visible impacts in the United States and Texas. The report found that global warming has already raised average winter temperatures in Texas and the Great Plains by more than 6 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 30 years.  If global warming pollution continues under the report’s high emissions scenario, scientists expect Texas to experience the following impacts:

  • Average temperatures will increase between  4.5°F and 9°F of average warming by the 2080s
  • Sea level rise in the Gulf Coast is projected to be as high as 2 to 4 feet by 2050 to 2100, increasing the risk of flooding and catastrophic damage to buildings and infrastructure
  • The risk of major hurricanes is likely to be exacerbated, posing a serious risk to people, personal property and public infrastructure
  • Projected increases in temperature and drought frequency will add more stress to already overtaxed water sources
An impact analysis of H.R. 2454 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy shows that enacting the legislation would lead to 770,000 new jobs and $4,400 in savings per household by 2030.

And a new study by the Pew Center on the States found that Texas would benefit disproportionately from a move toward renewable energy nationally. “Texas is a leader in America’s clean energy economy,” said Kil Huh, project director, Pew Center on the States and the lead researcher on the study. “It ranks among the top five states for number of jobs in its clean energy sector, and is the sixth-largest producer of wind energy worldwide. Texas attracted more than $700 million in clean technology venture capital in just the past three years—positioning its clean energy economy for even greater growth moving forward.”

Faith Statements on the "American Clean Energy and Security Act"

Baptist Letter of support

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Catholic Church

United Church of Christ

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

United Methodist Women

Unitarian Universalist Association

National Council of Churches

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