Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009

Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer introduced the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009 that will create clean energy jobs, reduce pollution, enhance domestic energy production and combat global climate change. The bill is similar to to the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 that passed the House of Representatives in June. Both bills place limits on greenhouse gases, create incentives for energy conservation, and provide for a system of trading carbon emission permits. The Senate bill is headed for a series of public hearings before being brought to the Environment and Public Works Committee, which is chaired by Senator Boxer.

Texas has a large stake in a bill that will address climate change and energy independence. The state has the resources to become a leader in renewable power through wind, solar, and other innovative technologies. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, if Texas makes a big investment in energy efficiency now, by the year 2023 we’ll save $5 billion in energy costs, create more than 38,000 jobs, and reduce air pollution by 20 percent.