House Energy Bill

These may be the dog days of summer, but the U.S. Congress has actually been making some real progress worth mentioning. For the second time this summer, political leaders in Washington, DC have listened to the people and passed energy legislation that includes measures to break our addiction to fossil fuels. Could comprehensive global warming legislation be next? Let’s hope so.

Passage of the House Energy Bill this weekend was an important step toward supporting the solutions necessary to confront global warming. The House Energy Bill requires that by the year 2020, 15 percent of electricity be generated using renewable energy sources.

Combined with the recent passage of a Senate Energy Bill that includes fuel economy improvements, we have the makings of some significant clean energy solutions. The next step is for the House and Senate to come together in conference after the August recess and combine these efforts into a bill worthy of becoming law.

Like breaking any addiction, it takes many steps to break the addiction to fossil fuels. And it takes courage. The House Energy Bill is one important step. Now it’s time for Congress to respond head-on to public demand and pass meaningful global warming legislation that includes a cap and trade system, and wildlife funding to help wildlife survive the consequences of global warming.