Guest post by Shannon Goggin, Global Warming and Energy Intern
As we know all too well, the polarization between the Republican and Democratic parties ranges from predictable to counterproductive. As the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) worked its way through the House of Representatives, it was clear that winning any Republican votes would be difficult, if not impossible. When the bill finally passed with a tight margin of 219-212, just 8 Republicans had voted “aye.”
That was an extremely bold vote. These 8 Congressmen and women are especially brave given the overwhelmingly negative messaging coming from Republican opponents of this bill. Calling it a tax bill, opponents uniformly dismissed its significant investment in America’s clean energy future. That investment will help get us off of foreign oil and develop a growing sector of the American economy which will provide us with sustainable jobs that cannot be shipped overseas.
For their willingness to stand up for what is right, these Republicans have been assaulted and slandered by their own party, called traitors and given an arbitrary deadline by which to reverse their votes. They stuck to their guns, however, and now they could use a kind word.
Here they are:
• Mary Bono Mack
• Mike Castle
• Mark Kirk
• John McHugh
• Frank LoBiondo
• Leonard Lance
• Dave Reichert
• Chris Smith
Especially if you live in their district, show them that they need not fear voting for a clean energy future. Thank them for their vote! Write to them now.
The energy and power sector creates and sustains millions of jobs. One of America’s biggest challenges today is finding efficient and affordable solutions to energy and power. A diverse solution is fundamental to our security as a nation and the expansion of economic opportunity. Advocate for the construction and operation of renewable energy and learn about the Friends of the US Chamber http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/issues/index.cfm?ID=305 .
Posted by: Maura | July 29, 2009 at 03:08 PM