Congresswoman Speaks for Trees

The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) bill, which has passed in the House and is on its way to the Senate, represents the biggest change in American energy policy in the last 30 years. ACES is a definitive push away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, creating millions of green jobs.

Last week, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) proposed an addition to the comprehensive energy act that would encourage planting shade trees to fight global warming, save electricity, and clean the air. Matsui was rebuked by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who is concerned that the incentive for energy companies to plant trees would take away from contributions to nonprofit tree-planting organizations. Matsui then clarified that her amendment would provide matching grants to support new and existing tree-planting programs.

Since this nation was founded, members of Congress have nitpicked and argued. Isn't it refreshing that today they bicker over who gets to plant more trees?

--Jordana Fyne