NW Energy Coalition Resolution on the Need for National Climate and Energy Legislation – May 30, 2009

Final Resolution

NW Energy Coalition Resolution on the Need for National Climate and Energy Legislation

May 30, 2009

 

Whereas it is vital that Congress take action in 2009 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impacts from global warming, and

Whereas the Coalition has previously expressed its principles on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and climate legislation as approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2008, and

Whereas the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (US-CAP) is a coalition of industries, utilities, and environmental groups, which has published a “Blueprint” for federal GHG legislation, and

Whereas, the National Call to Action has put forth similar and additional principles for national GHG legislation, and

Whereas Congress is in the midst of debate on climate and energy legislation,

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the NW Energy Coalition:

a)     That it is a significant challenge to develop national climate and energy legislation and as such recognize the Waxman-Markey legislation alone will not get us to what scientists say is required yet it is an important first step in the effort to stabilize atmospheric emissions, and

b)    That the Coalition congratulates and applauds Reps. Waxman and Markey for bringing this important legislation forward, and

c)     That the Waxman-Markey legislation should be strengthened on the floor to better achieve science-based near term reductions and improve the renewable energy standards and must remain committed to a minimum of 80 percent reductions by 2050, and

d)    That adoption of climate and clean energy policies should be done in a manner that protects existing markets (including voluntary markets) for renewable energy and energy efficiency, small consumers and disadvantaged communities and workers, and

e)     That adoption of complementary policies that advance strong energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements should not preempt or negatively affect more stringent state requirements, and finally

f)      The Coalition endorses strengthening of the Waxman-Markey legislation and seeks passage in 2009 that meets the principles of the Coalition.

 

Approved by the full Board of the NW Energy Coalition, May 30, 2009