Statement on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

Passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would be an enormous step forward towards a more just and prosperous clean energy future, but for America to fully address the challenges and opportunities we face, its passage must be the first step of many.
We urge strengthening of the legislation to do the following:

1. Increase the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES)
2. Allocate more permits to clean energy investment and green jobs programs
3. Restore EPA’s authority to regulate point-source emissions
4. Reduce the quantity and improve the quality of offsets allowed in the system
5. Increase the short-term and long-term emissions reductions targets
6. Limit speculation in the carbon permit market

That fact that ACES has made it this far is a sign of the growing influence and success of America’s movement for a more just and prosperous clean energy future. Still, ACES is far from perfect. The current strength of the bill reflects the disturbing political realities in Congress – and is further inspiration to increase the impact of our work and vision for a clean energy future in every corner of America.
 
Focus the Nation commends the tremendous work of Chairmen Waxman and Markey and other members of Congress to create a bill that conforms both to scientifically-based long-term emissions reductions targets and the political reality of the 111th Congress. We support the passage of this bill, but remain committed to redefining American leadership in our country's response to climate change. In the coming months and years, there is deeper work to be done. We hope the passage of this bill sheds light on the opportunities of the clean energy future that we have still yet to seize.