Environmental Legeslation

[Mark Ekwall]

Archimedes once said, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." This year’s climate bill is the most important bill of our time. But the House bill guts the Clean Air Act and fails to avoid runaway warming. The Senate is working on its companion bill now. It must set an overall cap on C02 of less than 350 ppm, save the Clean Air Act, and remove loopholes. A bill of this magnitude is unlikely to be substantially amended in the next decade if passed. We must act now to avoid runaway global warming. U.S. law mandating strong environmental commitment would be by far the strongest leverage we have in making major impact on an accelerating climate deterioration. Please joint me in reaching out to members of the United States Senate and demanding strong legislation to protect our environment, and our children's future.
Thank you
Mark Ekwall

[Samantha Shiffman]

I could not agree with you more. Climate change will decide our global future and this bill seems to fail to acknowledge that part. Since the conception of the bill it has been CLEANs mission to strengthen to have a bill worth passing because what is drafted right now simply won't cut it. I would also suggest checking out some of our talking points about ACES.

[Carrie Traud]

Totally agreed, Mark. This is a terrible bill and needs to be substantially strengthened or else ditched completely. Better to start from scratch on a strong bill that makes a difference than to settle for something that will do more harm than good. It's a shame so many are willing to accept a woefully compromised bill in exchange for a seat at the table.

[Mark Ekwall]

In watching last nights speech by Obama I was struck by how deeply divided the house and senate remain. I was amazed to see those on the republican side of the isle sit still and stoic when Obama put forward the concept of lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. Come on- who doesn't agree with that? In regard to the climate debate and upcoming legislation, I am fairly certain we may be looking at a similar political divide. I think we need to push as hard as we can to get our representatives to strengthen this bill- but we have to be care full not to throw the baby out with the bath water. I think I may finally begin to understand Al Gore's some what centrist approach to this issue. With national legislation regulating CO2 emissions, even a small percentage improvement in governmental commitment will translate to large scale improvement over all. I must say I am encouraged by groups like 360.0rg who are currently active in involving people in group demonstrations and other efforts to raise public consciousness of environmental issues. Lets keep up all efforts to strengthen the bill.

[Alex Jasset]

It's awfully frustrating to see the divide in the Senate, but that doesn't mean we can't press on with things that everyone (or at least MOSTLY everyone) agrees with, such as energy efficiency. Let's keep up the good work in educating the public, keeping the pressure on our legislators, and most importantly staying optimistic! If we show the government that we want clean energy NOW, they'll have no choice but to pass a comprehensive bill that is strong enough to make an actual impact, both now and further down the road. Let's not forget that THEY work for US!

Mark Ekwall said:

In watching last nights speech by Obama I was struck by how deeply divided the house and senate remain. I was amazed to see those on the republican side of the isle sit still and stoic when Obama put forward the concept of lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. Come on- who doesn't agree with that? In regard to the climate debate and upcoming legislation, I am fairly certain we may be looking at a similar political divide. I think we need to push as hard as we can to get our representatives to strengthen this bill- but we have to be care full not to throw the baby out with the bath water. I think I may finally begin to understand Al Gore's some what centrist approach to this issue. With national legislation regulating CO2 emissions, even a small percentage improvement in governmental commitment will translate to large scale improvement over all. I must say I am encouraged by groups like 360.0rg who are currently active in involving people in group demonstrations and other efforts to raise public consciousness of environmental issues. Lets keep up all efforts to strengthen the bill.

[Larry Notes]

All of this is why I push Showalter Micropower, its a start.

[Mark Ekwall]

What is Showalter Micropower?