We’re posting the latest summer news sent over the climate listserv! CCCers are scattered fromWashington, D.C., to Alaska, Minnesota, New Mexico and back to Wally World. We may be far-flung, but we’re working hard — this website is a way to focus that energy for a killer 2009-10 of climate victories back at Whitman.
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Update #1
June 19th, 2009: Sent by James Sledd
Hey guys and gals,
Hope you’re all enjoying your summers, wherever you may be, and I hope this email finds you happy, healthy, and safe. As most of you probably know, the Waxman-Markey climate change bill (officially, ACES or the American Clean Energy and Security Act; DC loves its acronyms) has been marked up and is going to come up for a vote before the entire house in the next couple of weeks. Environmental groups are split on the bill, with some claiming that it doesn’t go far enough, and are especially critical that 85% of allowances will be given away free to polluters.
The reality is that the bill does take significant steps to reduce carbon emissions, requiring a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020. That might not sound impressive, but when compared to projected emissions in 2020, it’s a very significant reduction. Furthermore, the bill establishes a national renewable electricity standard and a “green bank.” Personally, I don’t think the bill would have a snowball’s chance in hell of passing if compromises such as the permit giveaway were removed. ACES has compromises, but it makes important steps, and it doesn’t have to be a final step, either.
So, if you support ACES, you should contact your representative soon. As in today. Don’t send a letter, because those get screened, which slows them down. Send a fax, an email, or give the office a call. If your rep supports the bill, call and thank them and express your support–most callers are angry (and so far as I can tell, have an average age of about 82), and it’s very nice to hear from someone supportive for a change. If you want a stronger act, say so–but please don’t rip into whoever answers the phone. It’s useless. There’s a 95% chance they’re just an intern, who can’t speak for their Rep. Moreover, hey probably agree with you, but can’t say so, and can’t argue back–it’s very frustrating.
If you’re in the northwest for the summer, I miss it. See you all next fall.
-James
