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Town Hall meeting with Bob Inglis last Thursday:
It became immediately evident to me as he began that Bob has an awesome grip on the RE situation in the USA and in South Carolina. I was very surprised how much of a grip he had on it!
He began with t…
Attention Group SC-04 in south Carolina! Here is my report on the Town Hall meeting last Thursday @ Furman University with Rep. Bob Englis:
Hey Mary, I am sorry that I haven't contacted you in several days, but my Plate has been full lately!
The fol…
Attention SC-03 Members, I will be attending the following Town Hall Meeting on Thursday 4/16/09 and could use all the back up support I can get! Please see the following:
Scott ...
Inglis will be discussing National Climate Change Policy and his ro…
Welcome to the South Carolina 3rd Congressional District Group for the New Energy Army! If you live in SC-03, please join us to learn more about Pickens Plan events and activities taking place in our District.
Profile Information
- Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?
- No
- Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:
- I have no experience with RE or Alternative Energy! but, I do have over 25 years experience dealing with people in the Lumber industry which is tied into a large amount of forestry land. some of this land which will be needed to erect the wind machines that you promote.
- What excites you about this campaign?
- I have a great deal of interest in the Renewable Energy sector (particularly wind power) as one way to make our nation more energy independent. I have begun a study on the concept of RE and am trying to educate myself further on the subject. I occurs to me so far, that we need to get very busy with these programs, as we may be in big trouble soon due to our Foriegn Oil Dependancies. I think the PickensPlan Program is an excellent vehicle to help get things moving in the right direction.
- What do you want to do to help?
- I want to promote in some way the fact that we must become Energy Independant soon.
Frank (I go by "Scott")'s Blog
CNBC
Good Afternoon:
It is 2:50P.M. est and I saw a report about renewable energy on your show. I had just tuned in, but, I was too late too see which Congressman you were interviewing about the Solar Energy program (US Air Force Base)that Pres. Obama outlined, and the Congressman basically said that he was wrong about the abilities of these programs (1 to 3% of total possible energy needs). This was very inaccurate information for the American people! It has been proven that Renewable Energy can be… Continue
It is 2:50P.M. est and I saw a report about renewable energy on your show. I had just tuned in, but, I was too late too see which Congressman you were interviewing about the Solar Energy program (US Air Force Base)that Pres. Obama outlined, and the Congressman basically said that he was wrong about the abilities of these programs (1 to 3% of total possible energy needs). This was very inaccurate information for the American people! It has been proven that Renewable Energy can be… Continue
Posted on May 27, 2009 at 12:55pm —
Comment Wall (22 comments)
- At 3:00pm on April 20, 2009,
Mary Wolters said… - I really enjoyed reading every detail of your visit to Furman and opportunity to meet with Inglis. He's a good guy. I hope he can get DeMint, Sanford and Graham educated.
There is so much innovation on the horizon. 60 minutes did a special on cold fusion....check this out!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/17/60minutes/main4952167.shtml
I saw a segment on Green Planet where a builder took photovoltaic panels and ran water behind them to cool them and that created more energy and then he took the now hot water and fed it into the house hot water system!
Hot water and electrical. Brilliant!
He did it for around $15,000 and got the entire house off the grid!!!!
That's what I'm looking for, that and wind.
We get a lot of wind up here and sun.
Keep sharing the news. Maybe some of the Pickens Plan people will become more active.
Keep up the good work.
Mary
- At 7:13am on April 15, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- Office of Senator Jim DeMint
1901 Main Street, Suite 1475
Columbia, SC 29201
(I can't find a phone number, but you could call the Washington # and get it.)
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint
340 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
202.224.6121 (Phone)
202.228.5143 (Fax)
GE Wind Turbine Article link from GSA:
http://www.gsabusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83
Lindsay Graham contact #'s and copy of email he sent me:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from you.
In spite of the high volume of mail I receive daily, I look forward to reviewing your correspondence and providing a personal response as soon as possible.
As we continue our work in the 110th Congress, I look forward to supporting our troops in the War on Terror, providing the men and women of the National Guard and Reserves with improved health care, strengthening Social Security, protecting American jobs, lowering the tax burden on American families, and making the federal government more accountable and efficient.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of further assistance to you or your family, and if you need immediate assistance, please call my office at 202-224-5972. If your correspondence pertains to a scheduling request, please fax your request to (202) 224-3808.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Graham
I hope that helps!
Mary
- At 6:12am on April 15, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- DeMint's staff had their yearly planning meeting a while ago. I don't know DeMint personally, just the staffers. I've just been a thorn in his side.
I have written him, called him, petitioned him and so he finally responded with this phone call.
He has responded with emails and his staffers have called. Graham has never responded to anything (maybe one email) and I've tried to appeal to him as much as I have DeMint.
If you keep emailing him, he will respond.
I'm so glad you're going to Furman to carry the torch!
Do you get GSA emails? They had another article about GE's wind turbines yesterday.
I'll forward a copy of that to you if you'd like.
Talk to you later,
Mary
- At 4:37pm on April 14, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- Hi, Scott.
No, I haven't had a chance to do it all day. Busy, busy.
And just as I was making a romantic dinner for one of our couples, the phone rang and it was DeMint asking if I wanted to take part in a phone town hall meeting!
Darn! I couldn't do it!
I had to take care of our guests. (I have a country inn)
Oh, well. Guess it wasn't meant to be.
I fiddle with the photo now and see if I can figure it out.
Thanks,
Mary
- At 6:13am on April 14, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- Way to go, Scott!!
I so wish I could go!
I hope you get some support.
I'll be with you in spirit.
Mary
- At 3:05pm on April 13, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- I'm glad this is private, Scott.
I've looked at this page over and over.
How do I add a photo of myself?
(embarrassed)
Mary
- At 2:23pm on April 13, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- Your Representative Bob Inglis is more interesting -- he has been willing to engage the climate debate (see http://itsgettinghotinhere.org/2009/03/31/congressman-bob-inglis-how-to-engage-republicans-even-skeptics-on-climate-change) and he'll actually be attending a town hall forum on climate organized by our partners at Focus the Nation! The town hall will be taking place on April 16 at Furman University in Greenville -- for more details you can contact event organizer is Dr. Weston Dripps (weston.dripps@furman.edu) or Mark Kimbrell, Southern coordinator for Focus the Nation (mark@focusthenation.org or 503-241-4368).
- At 12:29pm on April 13, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- I don't know if you get GSA Daily in your emails, but I thought you would find the following interesting!
Mary
GE Energy gets a No. 1 ranking from American Wind Energy Association
GSA Daily staff report
GE Energy maintained its lead as the U.S. wind turbine maker with the largest amount of new capacity installed, according to new rankings by the American Wind Energy Association.
Components for wind turbines are manufactured at GE Energy’s Garlington Road plant in Greenville, S.C.
On Tuesday, John Krenicki, GE vice chairman and president and CEO of GE Energy Infrastructure, will meet with local government officials and business leaders in Greenville to update them on GE Energy's Greenville operations, the state of global economy, and the impact of government policy on GE Energy's long-term outlook.
The AWEA annual study found that wind power’s recent growth also has accelerated investment in manufacturing: wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded more than 55 facilities in 2008 alone, spanning 24 states including South Carolina.
“The wind energy industry today generates not only clean energy for our economy, but also hope and opportunity for American workers and businesses,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode.
The wind power generating fleet of over 25,300 megawatts in place as of December 31 will generate an estimated 73 billion kilowatt/hours in 2009, enough to serve the equivalent of close to 7 million average U.S. homes.
About 85,000 people are employed in the wind industry today—a 70% increase from 50,000 a year ago—and hold jobs in areas such as turbine component manufacturing, construction and installation of wind turbines, wind turbine operations and maintenance, legal and marketing services.
- At 12:17pm on April 13, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- This is what 1sky emailed me about our Representatives:
Senators DeMint and Graham are definitely very tough on these issues, but there's certainly nothing to lose by delivering a lobby packet to their offices so they know that they don't represent all South Carolinans on energy and climate.
Your Representative Bob Inglis is more interesting -- he has been willing to engage the climate debate (see http://itsgettinghotinhere.org/2009/03/31/congressman-bob-inglis-how-to-engage-republicans-even-skeptics-on-climate-change) and he'll actually be attending a town hall forum on climate organized by our partners at Focus the Nation! The town hall will be taking place on April 16 at Furman University in Greenville -- for more details you can contact event organizer is Dr. Weston Dripps (weston.dripps@furman.edu) or Mark Kimbrell, Southern coordinator for Focus the Nation (mark@focusthenation.org or 503-241-4368). Let me know if you'll be able to attend -- I definitely encourage you to engage Inglis as this debate moves forward!
I emailed this to Ed, but it seems he didn't pass it on to the group or it may be because I don't really understand how this email thread works, and I didn't do it correctly....which is probably the case!
I'm really sorry I can't attend.
I will be watching the news and if you go, please keep me posted!
Warm Regards,
Mary
- At 8:41am on April 9, 2009,
Mary Wolters said…
- That's a really great twist of fate and I hope you are successful with the windmills.
I have been interested in alternative energy for years. It just seemed to go away from the market after the 1970's.
I really have a 24/7 job. I own and run a country inn so going off-site means I have to hire someone to be here for liability reasons etc.
I'm not sure that I can go to Columbia or Furman and won't know until the date gets closer.
I have pasted below all the 1sky literature for you to look at.
Best to you,
Mary
April 2009
Dear 1Sky Activist,
This is our moment to rise to the occasion. President Obama has called upon Congress to send him
climate legislation, and on March 31st the discussion draft of the American Clean Energy and Security
Act of 2009 (ACES) introduced by Rep. Henry A. Waxman (CA-30) and Rep. Edward J. Markey (MA-
7) was released. This is a landmark first step by Congress to usher America into a powerful clean
energy economy.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would create millions of jobs for American
workers in clean energy industries, save consumers and businesses hundreds of billions of dollars in
energy costs, make our country energy independent, and limit global warming pollution.
Although this is a landmark first step by Congress to usher America into a powerful clean energy
economy, there are several key elements in the draft that need to be strengthened before it goes to a
vote in the House of Representatives. The bill meets the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s
(IPCC) long-term target of cutting global warming emissions by at least 80% by 2050, but its ability to
meet the near-term IPCC goal of cutting emissions at least 35% below current levels by 2020 is
jeopardized by its heavy reliance on offsets. Also, the bill relies on eventual performance standards for
new coal-fired power plants – between 2009 and 2015, there is nothing in the draft (other than an
economy-wide cap) to prevent new coal plants that emit global warming pollution from being built. So
although the urgency of this issue has never been greater and the politics have never been more
favorable – we still have our work cut out for us to strengthen the bill before it goes to a vote.
From April 4 through April 19 members of Congress will be on recess and your Representatives and
Senators will be at home. They need to hear your voice during this time calling for strong climate
action. The April congressional recess provides a tremendous opportunity for you to set up a meeting
with your elected officials to tell them we need bold solutions to our climate, energy and economic
challenges. For more information on how to set up and conduct your congressional meeting, check out
our how-to guide and other resources at: http://www.1sky.org/resources.
The purpose of your meeting is to ask your elected official to support strong climate policies and let
them know that although The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is a great starting
place, it needs to be strengthened before it goes to a vote. Enclosed is a lobby packet to deliver to your
member of Congress’s local district office in conjunction with your meeting. All of these items should
be printed out and placed in a folder. The packet contains the following items:
A letter to your member of Congress about the 1Sky Campaign and the need for bold climate
solutions (be sure to sign the letter with your name and contact information!);
“Principles for Effective and Efficient Climate Legislation” that provide a detailed road map for
effective climate legislation.
1Sky’s Preliminary Analysis of the Markey-Waxman Discussion Draft “American Clean Energy
and Security Act of 2009”
These materials will provide your members of Congress with critical information as they debate
climate and energy legislation in the weeks and months ahead, reminding them that people who voted
for change in your community are calling for bold and decisive action.
Thank you again for your commitment to taking action this spring. If you have any questions, please
feel free to get in touch with us at congress@1sky.org. We look forward to supporting your organizing
efforts over the next few weeks and in the months ahead!
better
through stronger commitment to reducing global warming emissions in the immediate future, ensuring that
polluters – not taxpayers – pay for pollution, boldly moving beyond dirty coal energy, making certain that the
green jobs created by the legislation are quality jobs with pathways leading to them for those who most need
work, and laying out specifics on how consumers will be protected from rising energy costs.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would…
Usher America into a powerful clean energy economy that will create millions of green jobs for
American workers in clean energy industries.
Cut waste and save billions of dollars in energy costs for consumers and businesses by increasing
energy efficiency across the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry. The
enhanced Renewable Electricity Standard and Energy Efficiency Resource Standard alone will create
522,000 jobs and result in $170 billion in savings for consumers and businesses.
Reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and make our country energy independent
through the development and use of clean renewable energy.
Limit global warming pollution and provide strong incentives for clean companies to prosper. The bill
uses the same bi-partisan approach put in place to fight acid rain in 1990, supported by the first
President Bush, after which electricity rates fell 10 percent and the U.S. economy added 16 million jobs.
While the bill is very comprehensive and is the first climate legislation to reach for science-based
targets to tackle global warming, it can and should be made even better to:
Make stronger commitment to boldly confront global warming in the immediate and near-future.
While the bill meets the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s long-term target of
cutting global warming gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, its near-term goal by 2020 is a 30%
reduction, which could rely heavily on emission offsets that may be unreliable in reducing global
warming pollution. The near-term 2020 emission target cuts should be at least 35% below current
levels with strictly limited offsets to better meet the immediate threat of global warming to our economy
and national security.
Protect taxpayers from paying for polluters’ mess. There should be 100% auctions of carbon
emissions to guarantee that pollutions are paid for by the polluters, not taxpayers.
Move beyond dirty coal energy. The bill relies on eventual pollution performance standards for new
plants, but even with these carbon sequestration standards, coal will still be the dirtiest fuel on the
planet. Since public funding for new plants with unproven CCS (“clean coal”) technology is not
contingent on a high performance, the bill could funnel public money into large dirty energy projects.
We will advocate for an immediate moratorium on new coal-burning plants that emit carbon pollution.
Instead of funding new dirty coal plants, public funding should instead support clean renewable energy
and efficiency projects that are already commercialized, proven, and affordable.
Provide opportunities and assistance to vulnerable communities. The bill should
ensure that we maximize the creation of good, green-collar jobs and provide educational and
job training assistance and tools necessary to pave the pathways into them, especially for
workers and communities in older industries that are highly reliant on carbon based energy. In
addition to new job opportunities, Low- and middle-income households must receive rebates
to compensate for increased energy costs. We must also assist vulnerable communities
worldwide as they adapt to the changing climate and transition into a low-carbon economy.
The Major Climate Provisions of the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009”
Key Items The Discussion Draft’s Present Language 1Sky Goals
Targets &
Offsets
2020 Near-term Targets:
At least 30% below 2005 levels (19% below 1990 levels),
17% of which is from the cap and the rest from avoided
deforestation abroad and standards outside the cap, and
via offsets.
2050 Long-term Targets:
83% below 2005 levels (80% below 1990 levels) within the
cap alone.
Emission Offsets vs. Direct Funding of Emission
Reductions
The bill allows very high levels of global warming emission
offsets by polluters – 2 billion tons annually – which is
around 27% of annual emissions in the U.S. What that
means is that there could be no domestic global warming
emissions reductions from fossil fuels for at least a decade.
Cut carbon emissions by at least
35% below 2005/current levels by
2020, equivalent to 25% below 1990
levels, in line with the IPCC, and by
at least 80% by 2050. The bill’s
present language meets the longterm
target but should be
strengthened to meet the much more
important near-term target. 1Sky is
also concerned with the bill’s very
high levels of carbon offsets, and
supports direct investments in
emissions reductions rather than
offsets that come in place of actually
reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Auctions The bill draft intentionally does not yet specify whether or not the
carbon pollution emission permits will be auctioned. This
uncertainty is not entirely discouraging, as it leaves room for it to
become 100% auction to ensure that there is a price paid for
pollution and that taxpayer monies are not used to clean up after
polluters.
100% of the permits should be
distributed via auction to ensure that
there is a price paid for pollution, and
that taxpayer monies are not used to
clean up after polluters.
Coal Relies on eventual performance standards for new plants.
Between 2009 and 2015, there is nothing in this current bill
draft other than an economy-wide cap and a 2025 retrofit
date to prevent dirty new coal plants from being built.
After 2015, new coal plants must sequester at least 50% of
their global warming pollution, and 60% after 2020.
Since public funding for new plants with CCS (a.k.a. “clean
coal”) technology is not contingent on a high CCS
performance, the bill could end up funneling public money
into large dirty energy projects. And more funding is
distributed to better-performing large-scale plants, but
there’s no guarantee that what public money is funding is
actually better than existing forms of energy infrastructure.
Enact an immediate moratorium on
new coal-burning plants that emit
carbon pollution. Instead of funding
new coal plants, public monies
should support renewable energy
and efficiency projects that are
already commercialized, affordable,
and create more jobs.
Transition
Investments,
Domestically
and
Internationally
A section for domestic consumer assistance is included but
currently lacks specifics.
The bill must position the U.S. as a leader in the
international climate negotiations coming up in December.
For that to happen, it is critical that the bill allocate funds to
help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change,
protect tropical forests, and export clean energy technology
worldwide.
The bill needs specifics on providing
assistance for low and middleincome
families with rising energy
prices, as well as key funding
streams necessary to make a global
warming treaty a reality. We must
also assist vulnerable communities in
developing countries as they
transition to low-carbon economies
and adapt to the changing climate.
Energy Better appliance standards and building codes.
Smart grid funding.
Transportation standards and funding, including
strengthened Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) funds for
electric vehicles and auto industry retooling, and mandates
for new transportation plans and funds for infrastructure
projects in major metropolitan areas.
National Renewable Energy Standard (RES), including 25%
renewable by 2025 with up to 5% from efficiency upgrades.
National Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS),
including 15% electricity savings by 2020 and 10% natural
gas savings by 2020.
1Sky is strongly supportive of the
enhanced energy efficiency
standards.
April Congressional Meetings Talking Points and FAQ
Thank you for committing to meet with your member of Congress to discuss bold climate solutions. You
have the power to make your voice heard and make a difference. The momentum for strong climate
policy is building! On March 31st the discussion draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of
2009 (ACES) introduced by Rep. Henry A. Waxman (CA-30) and Rep. Edward J. Markey (MA-7) was
released for review. Although this is a landmark first step by Congress to usher America into a powerful
clean energy economy, there are several key elements in the draft that need to be strengthened before it
goes to a vote in the House of Representatives. You don’t have to be an expert in climate science or policy,
but having some background on the issues will help ensure the success of your meeting. Use the talking
points and FAQs below to help you plan your meeting and prepare for potential questions from your
member of Congress or their staff.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANIONS
Tell your member of Congress or his/her staff-person who you are, where you are from, and give any of
your companions a chance to introduce themselves as well. Tell them why you are concerned about
climate change and what motivates you to act – make the issue personal. Consider making the following
points:
Climate change and our reliance on dirty energy are some of the most pressing issues of our time.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) introduced by Rep. Henry A.
Waxman (CA-30) and Rep. Edward J. Markey (MA-7) in the House was released on March 31st,
and while it is a strong starting point, it must be strengthened to be effective in building a strong,
clean energy economy.
We need to rebuild our economy starting immediately – climate policy will drive investment into
the high growth clean energy sector, creating millions of green jobs.
The majority of Americans recognize that proceeding with the status quo is not an option. Our
economy cannot flourish while running on old energy infrastructure like coal and oil – we need
strong policy heading us in the right direction immediately.
Climate change is a serious threat to humanity. Strong action on climate now will help us avoid
much more expensive dangers caused by climate disruption, such as floods, droughts and extreme
weather.
INTRODUCE THE MOVEMENT
When people come together and organize, politicians listen. Tell your member of Congress that
thousands of people across the country have committed to taking action in April in conjunction with the
1Sky campaign and are calling for strong climate legislation. Be sure to give some background on 1Sky:
1Sky is a new national campaign focused on passing effective federal climate policy.
The campaign is a collaborative effort of over 350 diverse organizations from all sectors of society
(list available at: http://www.1sky.org/allies) and tens of thousands of citizens.
We are calling for solutions at the scale of the climate challenge before us in line with current
science and a commitment to fairness.
During this Congressional recess, thousands of concerned citizens in every state in the country are
meeting with their representatives to talk about the need for bold action now.
TEE-UP THE POLITICAL CONTEXT
Americans are asking for strong energy and climate legislation that will help the economy this year:
Americans view clean energy infrastructure as a crucial pre-requisite for economic prosperity.
Americans see dirty energy as dead weight, holding our economy back. Dirty energy won’t be
phased out overnight, but we need to start our transition to clean energy immediately.
President Obama recently declared that his legislative agenda “begins with energy.” President
Obama: “I ask this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon
pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America.” We are here in
support of his strong message for action.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, our leaders have declared that they will have a joint climate
and energy bill ready for consideration by Memorial Day. Leaders on the House Energy and
Commerce Committee just released the discussion draft of the American Clean Energy and
Security Act of 2009, on March 31st. This bill is a step in the right direction but has key areas that
need to be strengthened before it is passed out of committee.
In the U.S. Senate, party leaders have also committed to a joint climate and energy bill this year,
but getting 60 votes for a strong bill in the Senate will be even more difficult than getting 218
votes in the House.
It makes sense for Congress to fast-track climate legislation, because the next set of international
climate negotiations are this December, in Copenhagen. This gives us a very short window to pass
strong domestic policy and demonstrate to the international community that the U.S. is serious
about addressing global warming.
CALL FOR ACTION
A key focus of your visit is the need for a strong climate bill this year. It is crucial to ask your member of
Congress for their support. We have two goals 1) passing a strong climate and energy bill in 2009, and 2)
making sure that the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, is as strong as possible to rebuild
our economy and combat the threat of climate change. Be sure to ask them for their support directly:
1. “Can we count on you to support a climate/energy bill that will reduce carbon
emissions, while creating millions for green jobs and jumpstarting our
economy?” (FYI - this can be to both your Representative or your Senator)
2. “Can we count on you to help us strengthen the American Clean Energy and
Security Act of 2009 draft bill?” (FYI - this is only to your Representative and not your
Senator).
It’s important to get a direct answer to this question – even if that answer is “we’re not sure.” This is how
they know you are serious about seeing real change. Other responses could be “we need to see the draft
bill,” or a specific sticking point – it’s important to hear these concerns, and report back to us on what we
hear so we can share it with our allies and colleagues for follow-up. Hearing directly from you is the most
direct way to jumpstart this discussion. After you gauge their general interest in climate policy, we
suggest you follow up with more specific concerns:
3. If the answer to the first question is “No,” or “we’re not sure” ask why not, and
say "that's too bad, because our economy really needs this." Let them know that
you will be following up on this topic in the future, and paying attention to their
actions as the climate debate unfolds on the Hill.
4. If the answer to the first question is “Yes,” be sure to give them a big thank you. It
is important to give our allies in Congress plenty of support.
After saying thanks, it’s important to emphasize specifics too. Here are some follow-up principles to
discuss with members of Congress who are generally supportive of climate legislation and making sure
the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is as strong as possible:
“Great! Thanks for acknowledging that our economy desperately needs a clean
energy overhaul.”
“To maximize the economic benefits of climate legislation, we need to make sure
legislation is effective and efficient.”
Also, here are some talking points for you around the recent release of the American Clean
Energy and Security Act of 2009, including both the strengths and what needs
improvements. This draft bill is the first step forward in getting bold climate and energy
legislation passed in 2009.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would…
Usher America into a powerful clean energy economy that will create millions of green jobs
for American workers in clean energy industries.
Cut waste and save billions of dollars in energy costs for consumers and businesses by
increasing energy efficiency across the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation,
and industry. The enhanced Renewable Electricity Standard and Energy Efficiency Resource
Standard alone will create 522,000 jobs and result in $170 billion in savings for consumers and
businesses.
Reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and make our country energy
independent through the development and use of clean renewable energy.
Limit global warming pollution and provide strong incentives for clean companies to
prosper. The bill uses the same bi-partisan approach put in place to fight acid rain in 1990,
supported by the first President Bush, after which electricity rates fell 10 percent and the U.S.
economy added 16 million jobs.
While the bill draft is an encouraging start, improvements are still necessary:
We need stronger commitment to boldly confront global warming in the immediate
future. While the bill meets the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s long-term
target of cutting global warming gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, its near-term goal by
2020 is a 30% reduction, which could rely heavily on emission offsets that may be unreliable in
reducing global warming pollution. 1Sky supports emission target cuts of at least 35% below
current levels with strictly limited offsets to better meet the immediate threat of global warming
on our economy and national security.
We must protect taxpayers from paying for polluters’ mess. The bill draft intentionally
does not yet specify whether or not the carbon pollution emission permits will be auctioned, or
given away for free to polluters. 1Sky will work to ensure that polluters pay for their pollution, not
taxpayers, by advocating for 100% auction of pollution emission.
We must move beyond dirty coal energy. The bill relies on eventual pollution performance
standards for new plants, but even with these carbon sequestration standards, coal will still be the
dirtiest fuel on the planet. Since public funding for new plants with unproven CCS (“clean coal”)
technology is not contingent on a high performance, the bill could funnel public money into large
dirty energy projects. We should instead enact an immediate moratorium on new coal-burning
plants that emit carbon pollution. Instead of funding new dirty coal plants, public funding should
instead support clean renewable energy and efficiency projects that are already commercialized,
proven, and affordable.
Provide opportunities and assistance to vulnerable communities. The bill should
ensure that we maximize the creation of good, green-collar jobs and provide educational and job
training assistance and tools necessary to pave the pathways into them, especially for workers and
communities in older industries that are highly reliant on carbon based energy. In addition to new
job opportunities, Low- and middle-income households must receive rebates to compensate for
increased energy costs. We must also assist vulnerable communities worldwide as they adapt to
the changing climate and transition into a low-carbon economy.
If they ask for more, here is a quick summary of what we need to get the job done:
Green prosperity: To ensure that climate policy improves the lives of low- and middle-income
households, substantial rebates and targeted energy efficiency funding should be distributed to
these households to offset higher energy costs during the transition to a clean energy economy.
Science-based policy with no loopholes: We need firm goals for reducing pollution that are
informed by current science: 35% below current levels by 2020. We need to make sure that special
interests don’t try to water down climate policy with phony offsets, giveaways to polluters, and
loopholes that would potentially derail the bill (sometimes called a “safety valve”).
No funding wasted on dirty energy: Dirty energy sources like coal, oil and gas are not nearly
as effective as economic drivers as clean energy sources like wind, solar, and energy efficiency.
Dirty energy creates fewer jobs than clean energy, and will further weaken our economy.
Global action: Our economic revival and future prosperity will be linked to the forthcoming
global climate treaty in Copenhagen this December. For that global deal to work, the U.S. will
need policy that satisfies international obligations for a global transition.
If your representative has any more questions about what a strong climate bill looks like, point them to
the broadly endorsed “Principles for Effective and Efficient Climate Legislation” and the Preliminary
Analysis of the Markey-Waxman Discussion Draft “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” (in
the lobby packet).
Listen carefully to how your Representative responds to your ask. These answers will be important
in your follow-up communications.
Respond as well as you can if they have any questions. Remember, you don’t need to be a policy
expert to say you are opposed to “loopholes” – saying “I don’t know” or “I’ll get back to you” when
you are asked difficult questions is ok.
THANK YOU AND FOLLOW UP
Thanking your representative is crucial. In politics there’s no such thing as permanent friends (or
permanent enemies), so be ready to commit to further action in your state or district. Follow-up can be as
simple as a thank-you note, but ideally you commit to further political action in your final remarks:
Thanks for meeting with us!
We are just a few of your constituents who care very deeply about this issue – there are more
where we came from.
We will continue to meet together, organize, and correspond with your office on this issue. We’ll
be sure to keep tabs on your support for strong climate and energy legislation.
It was great to chat with you. We’d like to schedule another meeting next time you’re back home
(May 23-31).
Be sure to exchange contact info with the member’s staff, (and amongst your own party if you are just
meeting for the first time) and don’t forget to leave the lobby packet with them.
Climate and Energy Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”)
This section is meant to give you some background for discussing climate legislation with your member of
Congress and their staff. The best message is often times the simplest one, so you don’t have to memorize
every fact in this document. Feel free to focus on elements of climate policy that you are most excited
about.
1. Right now, our struggling economy is our top concern. What does climate and
energy policy have to do with our economy?
Strong climate policy has the potential to create millions of new jobs by channeling resources
from low-growth high-pollution industries into high-growth low-pollution industries. Smart
climate policy will support innovative new technology that will allow the clean energy sector of
our economy to thrive.
Our economic recovery needs to be driven by production, not consumption. We need to
stimulate domestic production of clean energy if we want to be a player in the next big global
market – that includes energy efficiency and renewable energy, like wind, solar, and
geothermal.
Fact: Increasing demand for dirty energy makes the price of dirty energy go up. Demand for clean
energy makes clean energy prices go down.
2. Unemployment in our district has risen tremendously in the last few months. Will
climate policy help create jobs?
Absolutely. Strong climate policy will create millions of green jobs. The sudden rise in
unemployment is an immediate sign that we need to put our country back to work. The clean
energy sector is already employing millions of people, and is one of the fastest growing sectors
in our economy.
By contrast, the extraction-driven fossil fuel sector is not helping our economy. In Eastern
Kentucky for example, employment in the coal industry has dropped over 85% since 1950,
while coal production has increased, leaving unemployment, poverty, and mountaintop
removal in its wake.
Fact: The American Recovery Act passed since President Obama came into office invested over $87
billion in clean energy, enough to create 1.7 billion green jobs. That’s nearly four times as many jobs
as we would have created had we invested in fossil fuel infrastructure instead.1
Fact: As of 2008, there were over 85,000 Americans employed by the wind power industry compared
to about 81,000 coal-mining jobs.2
Fact: Clean energy like renewables and energy and energy efficiency create more jobs per unit of
energy produced (or conserved) than dirty energy like coal, nuclear power, and natural gas.3
3. The media sometimes refers to climate policy as controversial. Why is that the case?
Who would oppose climate policy?
Change is difficult, and will always be fought by the status quo. Right now, large entrenched
interests in oil and coal have a lot to lose, and will use their money and power to make sure
their interests are preserved. Getting smart policy in place will be a battle – and we need a
strong and consistent grassroots voice.
1 Center for American Progress. “Green Recovery.” http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/09/green_recovery.html
2 CNN. http://greenwombat.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/01/28/wind-jobs-outstrip-the-coal-industry/
3 Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP), Earth Policy Institute.
Politics are driven by two forces: money, and votes. Until renewable energy has the political
influence to compete with coal and oil, clean energy will have to be championed by a
groundswell of grassroots support.
Fact: Coal companies have spent $45 million last year to convince Americans that coal can be clean.
These same companies made over $17 in profit for every $1 invested in research4 that can theoretically
store coal gas underground. This carbon sequestration research has produced little success, but coal
companies are asking taxpayers to front the bill for further research, despite the high price tag, and
the lingering health risks posed by coal.5
4. Will climate policy help us save money, or will we end up paying more for energy?
That depends on who writes the climate and energy policy. If we sit back and let coal
companies, big oil, and high-pollution industries write the bill, we can expect to see massive
giveaways to polluters, consumers paying more for energy, and mediocre goals that let
polluters of the hook and don’t halt global warming.
Strong climate policy with science-based emissions targets and frequent scientific review will
generate revenue for high growth industries, and incentivize deployment of technologies that
will save Americans money, create jobs in emerging high-growth industries, and drive our
economy forward by increasing production of innovative clean energy technology demanded
by the expanding global energy market.
In the short-term, climate policy will result in higher electricity rates, because coal and other
fossil fuels currently produce most of our electricity. However, wise climate policy should
offset any increases in cost with rebates for low and middle-income households, targeted
energy efficiency investments in low and middle-income communities, and job opportunities.
Today’s inefficient energy markets are not incentivizing smart energy use or potential cost
savings. By putting a price on pollution and eliminating direct subsidies to dirty industries
that are polluting our planet and putting our health at risk, we can drive investment into highyield
cost-saving technology that will save Americans millions of dollars in energy costs – all
while reducing emissions.
Actions that reduce energy demand and infrastructure expenses save money and free up
scarce capital for other uses, and actions that shift energy supply away from fossil fuels to
renewables typically result in proportionately higher use of labor per unit of energy produced.
Fact: National projections based on data from states with climate plans suggest that a national
climate plan involving all states and sectors could lead to cumulative savings from 2009 to 2020 of
$535.5 billion, not taking into account important related benefits such as improved health,
environmental, and effective energy distribution.6
Fact: The prestigious consulting firm McKinsey & Company released a study documenting the costsavings
associated with reducing emissions – the cumulative savings from deploying energy efficiency
were shown to substantially offset the additional investment required for higher cost emerging
technologies, like solar power, which as they scale up are associated with lower costs.7
5. Why not invest heavily in coal with carbon sequestration (CCS) and nuclear power?
Investing public funds in coal and nuclear power will short-change our economy.
Coal is dirty. The only reason to fund further development of CCS technology (now referred to
as “clean coal” thanks to a multi-million dollar ad campaign by the coal industry) is to keep the
coal industry alive.
Other forms of energy are available right now, create more jobs per unit of energy produced,
and come with a lower price tag than the yet-to be proven CCS technology.
4 Center Fore American Progress. The Clean Coal Smoke Screen. http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/12/clean_coal.html
5 Greenpeace International. False Hope. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/false-hope
6 The Center for Climate Strategies, Climate Change Policy as Economic Stimulus: Evidence and Opportunities from the States.
http://www.climatestrategies.us/ewebeditpro/items/O25F20483.pdf.
7 McKinsey & Company. Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: How Much at What Cost?
http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/ccsi/greenhousegas.asp
Proponents of coal plant expansion are wooed by the low price tag of our current fleet of dirty
plants, but are not factoring in the huge increases in costs that will be associated with trying to
clean up coal – a process that will take decades, may not work, and will lead to much higher
costs for the energy produced.
Existing clean and renewable energy technologies, like wind energy, are being built right now,
getting cheaper all the time, and creating more and more jobs.
Dirty energy like coal and nuclear power are made artificially cheap by market mechanisms
that protect their interests. For example, once a nuclear plant is fully financed and insured, it
can sell cheap power. However, most of the costs for construction and nuclear waste clean-up
are borne by taxpayers, making nuclear power much more expensive than electricity rates
suggest – that’s why we haven’t built a new plant in so long. We’ve only built 12 new coal
plants since 1990 for similar reasons.
Fact: The earliest possibility for deployment of CCS at utility scale is not expected before 2030. To
avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the U.S. and other developed nations will have to start
cutting carbon immediately.8
6. 1Sky often mentions “bold” or “strong” climate policy. What exactly does that mean?
Is there such a thing as “weak” climate policy?
Yes, without a grassroots voice emphasizing the need for a strong bill, we run the risk of having
potentially breakthrough legislation undercut by fossil fuel interests. Weak policy would mean
mediocre goals for clean energy expansion, weak targets for reducing global warming pollution,
giveaways and subsidies to polluting industries, or ambiguous price signals that fail to drive the
market toward clean energy firmly enough to stop global warming and rebuild the economy.
A strong bill includes:
Set-asides, not offsets – “Set-asides” are public funds used to create additional emissions
reductions outside of capped sectors in the United States – namely internationally. “Offsets”
are emissions reductions outside the cap that are counted as a way to reach our goal of
reducing emissions from fossil fuels. Set-asides are a superior mechanism for emissions
reductions, especially abroad.
No giveaways to polluters – Past climate bills have grandfathered in existing industries,
creating fewer incentives to change polluting behavior, and letting some dirty industries profit
from business as usual. 100% of polluters should be forced to pay for their pollution, with no
exceptions.
No “off-ramps” – Some politicians would rather derail climate policy than see the expansion
of clean energy. If done right, climate and energy policy will effectively and methodically make
clean energy more cost-effective than dirty energy. Off-ramps would cancel out this process,
preserving the competitiveness of dirty energy, by de-railing the price on carbon that polluters
will have to pay.
No public investment in dirty energy – Public funds raised from a price on carbon
should stimulate the economy immediately via “shovel-ready” investments in clean energy
technology or efficiency programs. Dirty energy like carbon capture and sequestration from
coal and nuclear power will take longer to come on-line, and create fewer jobs than clean
energy investments.
Fact: Analysis from the Center for American Progress Action Fund suggests that the Lieberman-
Warner Climate Stewardship Act, which failed in 2008, could potentially yield no reductions in U.S.
emissions until 2025 due to loopholes.9
8 World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Facts and Trends- Carbon Capture and Storage.
http://www.wbcsd.org/web/publications/facts&trends-ccs.pdf
9 Climate Progress. Boxer bill update: Probably no U.S. CO2 emissions cut until after 2025. May 27, 2008:
http://climateprogress.org/2008/05/27/boxer-bill-update-probably-no-us-co2-emissions-cut-until-after-2025/
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