NWF Backs Rep. Waxman's Push For Quick Climate Action

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, declared his intention to pass a climate change bill out of committee before Memorial Day as he opened the new Congress' first hearing on climate legislation.

Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said:

"We don't have a moment to lose. We need to move quickly to repower America with clean energy solutions right now to revitalize our economy and preserve our natural resources.

"Chairman Waxman has kicked off the new Congress by pledging prompt action in a powerful House committee to invest in clean energy technologies and reduce the pollution that causes global warming. His timetable of reporting a comprehensive climate and energy bill out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by Memorial Day puts us on track to reassert America's environmental leadership before the nations of the world convene a major climate summit in Copenhagen this December.

"The National Wildlife Federation will mobilize our full efforts behind a strong cap-and-invest bill that, in the words of Chairman Waxman, measures up to the science. By taking prompt action on climate change, we will recharge America's economy with clean energy technologies, protect and restore our natural resources and lay the groundwork for a meaningful global agreement on climate change that engages all nations in protecting our children's future."

Published: January 21, 2009