Original Story
by Gerald Weinand
State Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx (D-Brunswick) has asked his fellow legislators to join a national effort calling for passage of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733). The effort is being led by the Coalition of Legislators for Energy Action Now (CLEAN), which is working with the White House that will being about action on climate change while creating “green jobs.” Over 100 Maine legislators have signed on to Cornell du Houx’s letter.
Cornell du Houx is also a member of Operation FREE, a group of veterans from the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan that want to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and gas.
On his website, Sen. Kerry, the bill’s lead sponsor, describes it as:
This bill takes a more comprehensive approach to the fundamental problems created by climate change and dwindling oil reserves than previous legislative measures. By the time it reaches the floor, the bill will reflect the concerns and advice of six Senate committees and dozens of our colleagues. The result will be a thoughtful, innovative and far-reaching solution to one of our most vital challenges.
Our efforts center around four urgent national priorities: putting America back in control of our energy future, reasserting American economic leadership and competitiveness, protecting our families from pollution, and ensuring our national security.
An in-depth summary can be found here.
About the effort to convince Snowe and Collins of the importance of S. 1833, Cornell du Houx said, “I am incredibly impressed, although not surprised, that Maine legislators have already signed on in large numbers. Maine has more signatories than any other state. Sens. Snowe and Collins can be comfortable knowing that the people of Maine will stand solidly behind them if they vote in favor of this common sense legislation.”
“This legislation is vital for both our economic and national security. We send over $1 billion a day in oil costs to foreign states that do not have our interests in mind,” he said. “This is hard-earned American money that should be invested in our own communities.”
All of this makes sense to those of us that share these priorities, and judging on the keynote speech delivered by Sen. Collins yesterday at the renewable energy seminar in Orono, she does too.
