CUTTING CARBON: House Bill Will Help the Environment and the Economy

As we all recognize, our environment is in danger, our climate at risk, and the health of our Earth perilous. We must take steps to remedy this situation for our children and grandchildren.

In many ways, no issue could be more important, more imperative, or timelier. We are at a crossroads. If we do not take stewardship of our Earth and all vitality on it, we may never again have the opportunity. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

That is why this year, I introduced legislation, in conjunction with the recommendations of Gov. Tim Kaine's Climate Commission, to mandate greater energy efficiency and to reduce our greenhouse gases.

However, global warming is not an issue we can address on just a state level. The United States is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and, therefore, needs to take decisive action at the national level to have a serious impact on climate change. Fortunately, on May 21, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). This historic vote moves us one step closer to a clean energy future.

The ACES Act will cut the carbon emissions that cause global warming 80 percent by 2050, a significant accomplishment necessary to preserve our planet for future generations. Moreover, the legislation mandates an increase in energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. For perhaps the first time, we are taking significant steps to acknowledge and address the climate and energy crises.

In these perilous economic times, some have said that we can't afford to invest in clean energy or spend precious resources to reduce greenhouse gases. Quite the opposite is true. By making this investment, we will ensure strong growth in clean-energy industries and create clean-energy, or green, jobs, which will help address both our environmental and economic predicaments.

This legislation will be a critical component to rebuild and renew our economy with millions of these new green jobs. It will revitalize the manufacturing sector, create the industries of tomorrow, reduce our dependence on oil, all while addressing global warming.

These novel jobs -- building wind turbines, installing solar panels, renovating buildings to make them more energy efficient, constructing the Smart Grid -- are jobs that can't be outsourced. Right here in Richmond, we already have new green jobs because of stimulus funds that are providing money to weatherize homes. This is an excellent example of how improving the environment can also fix the economy.

If we fail to act, hundreds of billions of dollars will continue to be shipped overseas to hostile foreign regimes to pay for dirty energy that America can no longer afford nor wants. This legislation can break the cycle of dependence on Mideast oil and, instead, repower America with clean, homegrown energy, perhaps wind energy from right off Virginia's coast.

This bill is an excellent beginning, but more can and should be done.

As this legislation moves forward, it ought to be strengthened to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster. Environmental professionals and scientists have recommended an increased reduction in these emissions over the next 10 years. This bill should be amended to reflect their findings.

In addition, the legislation should insist on a higher percentage of our energy coming from renewables and, simultaneously, requiring more efficient energy production. This would then shift American energy toward cleaner, cheaper sources like wind and solar power much more quickly. The legislation should also retain Environmental Protection Agency authority to ensure that the reductions are achieved in a timely fashion to prevent the worsening of global warming.

Finally, the ACES Act should require the largest emitters of greenhouse gases to pay for their carbon pollution. Then these funds can be directed to providing clean energy, protecting consumers, and preserving wildlife and other natural resources.

Our Congress must pass strong, comprehensive energy and climate legislation like ACES. We must dramatically expedite America's transition to cleaner, cheaper energy sources, slash energy waste to reduce global warming quickly and cheaply, close pollution loopholes, and make polluters pay. By doing this, we also will achieve our critical goals of jump-starting the economy, reducing global warming, and transitioning to clean homegrown energy.

I encourage Virginians to write to their representatives and senators to encourage them to support this ACES legislation and then to ensure that its final passage makes it even stronger and more effective.

Donald McEachin, a Democrat, represents the 9th District in the Virginia Senate. His district includes Charles City and parts of Richmond and Henrico. Contact him at .