1Sky Blog Posts about everything

DC Hill Update 3/9/10: Climate bill edited behind the scenes, Clean Air Act attacks persist

Jason Kowalski — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:42:01 -0500

Last week Senators Kerry (D-MA), Graham (R-SC), and Lieberman (I-CT) indicated they are working to introduce a comprehensive climate and energy bill as soon as possible. The trio generated much buzz after they gave a general description of the new approach to emissions reductions that will be included in their bill. While many key senators seemed open to the new proposal, others -- joined by members of the House -- launched new attacks on the Clean Air Act, gaining praise from Senator Murkowski (R-AK).

At the same time, phones in Senate offices were ringing off the hooks as climate advocates from across the country made 300,000 phone calls during the "72 Hours for Clean American Power" call-in campaign. This week is expected to be another busy one on Capitol Hill. Financial regulatory reform and a second jobs bill are expected in the Senate, and the House will begin work on a final push for health care reform.

1. Senate Climate Bill Push Heats Up

Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) were originally expected to introduce a bill last week. A bill was not released, but all three senators pledge that one is still on the way. Last Tuesday, Lieberman said: “Hopefully within a week or so we will have at least a detailed narrative to share.”

According to a report by Reuters last week, "Kerry told reporters he hoped a compromise climate control bill could be put together this month, although many meetings still must be held. Graham told reporters it will be "weeks" before a bill is ready."

The trio revealed this week that the bill will likely use a 'sector-by sector' approach to cap carbon whereby electric utilities will be required to reduce their carbon emissions first, followed by the transportation fuels and manufacturing sectors. The three senators held meetings with many key senators this week and some moderates from both sides of the aisle expressed interest in the new plan.

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) said she is "generally happy" with the direction the climate bill is heading. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Evan Bayh (D-IN) and even Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have also expressed interest in the forthcoming bill.

Murkowski said last Wednesday that her support may be contingent on opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil drilling. Lieberman quickly asserted that drilling in ANWR would not be a part of the comprehensive bill.

Last week, 13 senators signed onto a letter initiated by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) urging their colleagues to ensure that the Clean Air Act performance standards for coal plants remain intact in climate and energy legislation considered by the Senate. 1Sky worked hard with allies at Environment America, Sierra Club, and beyond to urge the following senators to join as they did and sign on to the Menendez letter: Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator Al Franken (D-NJ), and Senator Jeff (D-MN). 1Sky is encouraged to see these senators voice their support for defending the Clean Air Act, and holding big polluters accountable. Their support will be crucial for ensuring that the oldest dirtiest power plants are required to reduce their carbon emissions once national climate legislation is in place.

Last week, as part of the "72 Hours for Clean American Power" call-in campaign, 1Sky supporters joined climate advocates nationwide in making more than 300,000 phone calls to the Hill, urging senators to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year.

2. Clean Air Act Attacks Persist

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) can introduce her "Dirty Air Act" resolution at any time up until late May or early June. While her spokesperson has previously suggested the measure would be introduced in "mid-March," he said last week that, "politically, she can call it up whenever it's most convenient for her, not anybody else." Murkowski currently has only 41 co-sponsors (subs req'd), 10 votes shy of the 51 needed for passage.

Last week, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) introduced a new bill that threatens the Clean Air Act by putting a two-year block on greenhouse gas regulations. He is now the fourth Senate Democrat to support such an attack on the Clean Air Act. Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Alan Mollohan (D-WV), and Rick Boucher (D-VA) introduced an identical measure in the House. 1Sky strongly opposes these measures and all efforts to undermine the Clean Air Act.

Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) announced publicly that -- unlike the rest of the West Virginia delegation -- he will not support Rockefeller's attack on the Clean Air Act.

Yesterday, Murkowski sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting further information about how she plans to control carbon pollution via the Clean Air Act (subs. req'd).

Last week, as part of the "72 Hours for Clean American Power" call-in campaign for a climate bill, 1Sky supporters demanded that senators to oppose all efforts to undermine the Clean Air Act.

3. Senate Jobs Bill #2 and Financial Reform on the Way

Last Thursday, the House passed a slightly modified version of the Senate's initial $15B jobs bill. It includes tax credits aimed at encouraging employers to hire new workers, but does not contain any major climate-friendly provisions. It now goes back to the Senate for another vote before being signed into law by President Obama.

The Senate is now considering a second jobs bill on the scale of $150 billion. A vote on cloture is scheduled for this afternoon. Drafts of the new bill include unemployment and COBRA extensions, tax credits for dirty energy, and minor tax credits for energy efficient housing and appliances.

In Georgia last week, Obama introduced the $6 billion "Home Star" plan which would provide consumer rebates for home energy efficiency projects like installing new insulation, water heaters, and windows. The proposal is expected to be included in one of the Senate jobs bills, although was not included in $150 billion bill introduced by Reid last week (subs. requ'd).

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) said he wants to introduce "Home Star" in the Senate and will hold a hearing specifically on the proposed program next week.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) expects to release a bipartisan proposal for financial regulatory reform next week, adding yet another priority to the Senate schedule ahead of a climate bill.

4. Health Care Grand Finale May Pave the Way for a Climate Bill

The White House made clear last Thursday that it hopes to see Congress bring health care to a final vote this spring. The administration is asking that the House pass the Senate bill by March 18, and that both chambers pass fixes before Easter so that a health care bill can be sent to Obama's desk. This means the administration has endorsed use of the reconciliation process to pass health care reform through the Senate with a simple majority.

Senators Graham and Lieberman have some concerns about the impact that the continued health care fight may have on a push for comprehensive climate and energy legislation, but Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) maintains that health care reform is a separate issue that will not have a large impact on the climate debate (subs. requ'd).

Prepared by Jason Kowalski and Julie Erickson from 1Sky’s policy team. Please direct questions or comments to jason@1sky.org.

Blog & news round-up 3/12: Battling banners, India joins the accord, and a climate champ looks to Stallone for inspiration

Alex Bea — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:54:09 -0500

Coming off the week of the successful 72 Hours for Clean American Power campaign, we continue our work to protect the Clean Air Act and get the Senate going on climate legislation. 1Sky ally Greenpeace floated a banner to show polluter-lawmaker relationships while Senator Inhofe flies the flag of Dirty Coal. India officially joined the Copenhagen Accord... conditionally. That, Green Patriot Posters, and a climate champ Senator tells scientist to learn from Sylvester Stallone below.

Two posts appeared on the Huffington Post this week about banners hanging in the Senate office buildings. The first was from 1Sky ally Greenpeace. Greenpeace activists deployed a floating banner highlighting PolluterHarmony, the polluter-lawmaker matchmaking service, and "[Senator Lisa] Murkowski's close relationship with dirty energy interests."

On the other side of things, Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and his staff continue to provide ad space for Dirty Coal in the Senate Environment and Public Works committee windows. The "We Support Coal" shirt (seen above) has been hanging in their window despite calls from West Virginia coalfield residents to take it down. As described in the article, this coal ad illustrates Inhofe's antiquated and misguided (at best) positions on climate change and America's energy future.

The Greenpeace activists were arrested for their efforts while Inhofe continues to lead the climate denial charge in the Senate. We'll let you decide which banner is more worthy of getting the boot.

India formally backed the Copenhagen Accord this week, becoming the last major emitter to do so. It is good to see all the major emitters officially associating with the accord, however this doesn't signal the end of anything. As Treehugger's coverage explains, there were three conditions under which India is participating, essentially emphasizing that this accord is non-binding and that there is still work to do.

Rather than an infographic, this week we'd like to share another kind of image. We know from the last fall's Make Art for Climate campaign that climate activists are incredibly creative. Osocio, a blog focusing on creative nonprofit campaigns, featured Green Patriot Posters, a campaign channeling the creative energy of the environmental movement, and a theme fitting in well with this year's Earth Day Revolution. The posters cover a variety of environmental issues and vary in style, but all express a particular viewpoint. Below are two that say something about what we're working for in the climate movement.

We have a short video this week, with a good message from a good senator. Climate Progress posted a brief walk-and-talk interview with Senator Jay Inslee (D-WA) about the need to make good science-based climate policy pronto. Inslee's message to scientists? Channel your inner Rambo and be vocal about the reality of our situation.

Good advice for us all. Have a good weekend and take some time to channel your own inner Rambo of climate advocacy.

Environmental groups to Senate: stop stalling on clean energy and climate

Liz Butler — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:15:17 -0500

For the last forty years, every spring has meant counting down the days until Earth Day. This holiday has meant many things for different people over the years. Multiple issues have been highlighted; millions of people have helped clean up streams and parks; countless bands have played at benefits for the Earth. At times, even our friends in the oil industry have tried to steal Earth Day away from us by spending money to try to convince you that they are the true environmental stewards.

Over the years, all of us have come to realize the importance of climate change as an environmental issue. In fact, we have all realized that climate change is an environmental issue, a human rights issue, an economic issue, and many other issues affecting all of us across the planet. That's why the environmental community came together yesterday to announce the signing of a "Declaration" calling on the U.S. Senate to take swift action on clean energy and climate. Forty years after the first Earth Day, these leaders (including 1Sky Campaign Director Gillian Caldwell) urged the Senate to stop stalling and start acting on clean energy and climate solutions for America. 1Sky was one of the signers. (See pictures below.)

I am calling on you to stay tuned. We'll be calling on you soon to help us pressure Congress as we approach the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. We need our leaders to understand that the U.S. must act now to solve the climate crisis. It's not enough for them to just show up at local events and talk about environmental issues. We need them to act.

Earth Day Revolution event photos by John A. McComb from Clean Energy Works.

Van Jones rejoins 1Sky's Board of Directors

Luis Hestres — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:31:20 -0500

It's been a couple of big weeks for climate movement hero Van Jones. After enduring a relentless right-wing smear campaign and resigning from his post as the White House's top green jobs advisor, Van has stepped back into the spotlight, ready to continue his fight for a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans. Van will be joining Princeton University in the Center for African American Studies and in the Program in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He'll also take up a senior fellowship at the Center for American Progress, where he will head a new "Green Opportunity Initiative." Not to mention the interview he gave a few weeks ago to PBS's Tavis Smiley.

But for us, the best part of Van's comeback is the fact that he has rejoined the 1Sky Board of Directors. We couldn't be happier to have him back as we face another challenging year in the fight for bold climate and clean energy solutions. Welcome back, Van!

Sen. Rockefeller and Rep. Rahall launch another assault on the Clean Air Act

Julie Erickson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:27:27 -0500

Yesterday morning, while 1Sky supporters made thousands of phone calls to Senate offices showing their support for climate action, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) was busy introducing yet another measure to halt efforts to fight climate change under the Clean Air Act. His new bill (S.3072) would put a two-year freeze on the Clean Air Act enforcement that is needed to reduce global warming emissions from big polluters. Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Alan Mollohan (D-WV), and Rick Boucher (D-VA) also introduced an identical bill (H.R.4753) in the House. The bills would not only prevent regulation of carbon emissions from big polluters, but would also prevent any research or planning relating to such emissions, dramatically blocking the road to a clean energy future.

Rockefeller is arguing that his bill is necessary to "safeguard jobs, [and] the coal industry." In reality, jobs in the coal industry are steadily declining, and job-starved West Virginia could create far more (and better paying) jobs by investing in clean energy sources like wind and solar. As for "safeguarding the coal industry," well, at least he's being honest about who he's really standing up for. Anyone who's serious about creating a clean energy future and fighting climate change should not be talking about protecting the coal industry.

While the Senate has failed to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation over the last year, the Obama Administration has begun to take the necessary (and legally required) steps to begin holding the biggest polluters accountable for their pollution using the Clean Air Act. Meanwhile, instead of supporting crucial climate and clean energy legislation, members of Congress -- many of whom are bankrolled by Big Oil and Dirty Coal -- are busy fighting an uphill, yet costly battle against climate science. This year alone, Rockefeller has received tens of thousands of dollars from the coal industry. This explains why he is standing up for special interests and fighting against the regulation of old, dirty coal plants, and why he is not doing what is necessary to protect the public's health from the adverse impacts of climate change.

The new bills introduced today are just the latest in a string of new attacks aimed at preventing regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. For the last few months, 1Sky and other groups have been working hard to oppose Senator Lisa Murkowski's (R-AK) own "Dirty Air Act" and other legislative attempts to gut the Clean Air Act. Yesterday morning, Murkowski had nothing but praise for Rockefeller's bill, saying she hopes it gains support among other Democrats. Senator Rockefeller, however, does not yet have any additional support -- and 1Sky intends for it to stay that way. As members of Congress ramp up their efforts to gut the Clean Air Act, we must redouble our efforts to make sure that our elected officials do not support such efforts and instead work to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year.

Keep the calls rolling in, and make sure to tell your Senators that you also oppose Rockefeller's new attack on the Clean Air Act. We need to send a resounding message that any and all attempts to undermine the Clean Air Act in any way are unacceptable. With or without climate change legislation, the Clean Air Act will be critical for reducing global carbon emissions and transitioning us into a clean energy future and we must fight to protect it.

Blog & news round-up 3/5: 72 Hours wrapping up, green jobs connecting America, and a look back at 2009 in the movement

Alex Bea — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:59:44 -0500

This was the week of 72 Hours for Clean American Power. You probably heard about the massive call campaign from us, but lots of groups were a part of this effort, and several posted reports back from supporters who called. We also read more this week about green job efforts both ongoing and in the works. Finally, a friend of the climate change movement came out with a great video showing the growth of the movement in 2009.

You might have read the reports from 1Sky supporters who called their senators this week. Lots of groups were involved with the 72 Hours for Clean American Power campaign though. The National Wildlife Federation posted on Wednesday with some of their own report-backs. One supporter wrote about how Senator Casey's aide requested a meeting with a green business owner after hearing about how a strong climate bill would help his small business grow. Read the full post for more stories like that.

It wasn't just major environmental groups spreading the word about the 72 Hours campaign. For example, Grant over at Snowboard Green posted about the campaign. Many thanks to him and others who spread the word through blogs, social networks, emails, and any other way.

A big part of the 1Sky Solutions is creating millions of green jobs to put Americans to work. Green jobs aren't just about solar panels and wind turbines, though. As Reuters reported this week, labor and environmental groups, including our ally Blue Green Alliance, are emphasizing the expansion of broadband as a way to create jobs, reduce emissions, and let America work smarter. Give the article a read for all the ways this will work.

One of the biggest green job efforts on the horizon is HOME STAR, a.k.a. "Cash for Caulkers," which would promote and finance making home more energy efficient, lowering energy bills, and quickly create work for the construction sector. Ben Jervey at GOOD magazine wrote about HOME STAR on Tuesday, giving an overview of the plan and highlighting some members of Congress who are working to make it happen. As Ben writes, "This win-win-win (jobs-energy savings-carbon cuts) solution can't be held up any longer."

As we get deeper and deeper into what will be for the climate movement in 2010, it's nice to take a look back at where we came from. The TckTckTck blog posted a video by Robert van Waarden called 2009 – The Explosion of the Climate Change Movement. The climate change movement is relatively young, and while we still have some serious work to do, 2009 was definitely the year that the movement came into its own.

Senate Call-In Day Two results: Pushing for champs

Garth Moore — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:53:05 -0500

We’re continuing our push on Senate offices this week with the movement-wide call-in campaign. The timing for 72 Hours for Clean American Power continues to be spot-on. Senator Lisa Murkowski continues to hammer away at the Clean Air Act's ability to regulate greenhouse gases. House members are also attacking the Clean Air Act. And Senate leaders like Lindsey Graham continue to toss around ideas for a bill structure and try to frame the debate. Your calls matter because they provide a real-time voice and feedback for what our Senate leaders need to hear: keep the Clean Air Act strong and pass bold, comprehensive clean energy legislation.

Your reports on our call tool have been a tremendous resource for understanding what Senate offices are saying during this push. Here are highlights from yesterday’s reports:

Rick in AK - Told Murkowski, "America's future is in your hands; for if we let the status quo continue Alaska's, and America's, future is in grave danger. I know the change you have seen in your state, in your lifetime. Can this be put off anymore? Do you wish to be remembered as the senator who saw the last of Alaska's glaciers?"

Douglas in CA - "Thanked Senator Feinstein for being a CHAMPION in support of the Clean Air Act, and asked her to CHAMPION a Carbon Fee and Dividend provision as well as CHAMPION federal guarantees for local bond financing for rooftop installations of Solar Thermal and Solar PV as well as insulation and efficiency installations in homes and commercial buildings.

Jenny in CO - "Adam told me that Senator Udall is very much in favor of strong clean energy and climate legislation. I told him to thank the senator for his support and also urged that the senator continue to oppose any shots taken at curtailing EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate green house gases."

Ryan in WI - "Expressed that I was disappointed in Feingold's negative attitude about climate and clean energy policies. Indicated I would withhold support in the future unless I saw leadership from them." - Let your Sen. know that you can't support them if they don't fight for the Clean Air Act and climate action.

Here are some other remarks:

Mr. Martin in CO - "[Udall] is not strongly for it like Bingaman, but could support it depending on how the bill was presented and worded." (Comment: He needs to hear from us!)

Catherine in CA - "[Feinstein is] keeping a tally right now. Offered to give me a written response, but only if I emailed to office." (Comment: Make sure her tally is heavy on the side of clean energy! )

Doug in AR - "[Sen. Lincoln] is for the Clean Air act but carbon shouldn't be included & now is the wrong time to burden the people with another tax!" (Comment: Can't be for the Clean Air Act while against it's legal ability to regulate)

Paul in MN, [Franken's office is overwhelmed with calls]. "Thanked me, assured Franken's support for Green jobs and emission"

Orna in MA - "[Sen. Brown is] keen to read it; he's generally in favor of clean energy, but he's not going to give a position until he has read a bill." (Comment Make sure that he knows what you're specifically in favor of regarding clean energy)

Today is the last day for the official "72 Hours," but don’t stop your calls on Thursday evening: keep calling and telling us about your calls. This call-in campaign is just the beginning for engaging our senators on comprehensive legislation. The climate movement is just winding up for a flurry of activities over the next few months to keep our leaders focused and engaged. There’s a lot left to do and we’re not done yet.

Senate Call-In Day One Results: Big numbers and busy signals

Garth Moore — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:41:19 -0500

The largest call-in campaign ever organized by climate and environmental groups kicked off yesterday on Day One of the 72 Hours for Clean American Power campaign. 1Sky and dozens of our allies were busy spreading the word through email, social networks, and outreach to colleagues and supporters, with tens of thousands of people already placing their calls on the first day alone. Lines were intermittently busy and Capitol Hill voicemail filled up quickly throughout the day. A Hill staffer told the organizations involved, “We can’t get any calls out because so many others are calling in!” As a 1Sky caller mused on her busy signal: “I suppose they are getting too many calls. A good thing.”

This is the kind of grassroots efforts that get Senate offices to take notice of grassroots demand for clean energy legislation. 1Sky supporters -- using our online call center – have already sent in some great remarks about their calls:

Joe in MN say Senator Amy Klobuchar’s reports that she supports climate change legislation and opposes Murkowski amendment.

Mobi in TX says Senator John Cornyn is a co-sponsor of Murkowski's resolution and he does not believe the Clean Air Act was intended to address greenhouse gases. (Hint to people in TX: keep up the calls today and get the word out to your friends and neighbors)

Stephanie in SC confirms that Senator Lindsey Graham is “is working with Kerry & Lieberman to draft a bipartisan bill to the Senate in a few weeks -- feels that if the bill is presented, he will support it.”

We’re now into Day Two for these calls and there’s no let up. If you’ve already called, make another call and get your friends, family, and neighbors to call as well. Now is a crucial moment for senators to hear from us about preserving the Clean Air Act and calling for comprehensive clean energy legislation this year. With a potential new bill in the works, the timing for calls couldn't be more perfect.

And keep calling through the busy signals. Keeping these offices busy keeps clean energy in focus!

The Climate Movement Heeds the Call

Gillian Caldwell — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:54:56 -0500

Cross-posted from the Huffington Post

We are hearing lots of conflicting statements on the status of a comprehensive climate bill. Depending on who you read or listen to, it's either still a viable, passable solution in the Senate or it's dead in the water. It's easy to see why some people might have written off a comprehensive climate bill: the quagmire of the U.N. talks at Copenhagen and the delays in the Senate to combine legislation since September could lead one to believe that legislators really aren't concerned with a bill this year.

To those comments, we look at the continually growing movement of legislators, organizations, groups, and everyday Americans who picked up the mantle in January and continued the push for a comprehensive clean energy and climate bill in 2010. They were building off a year where the EPA moved forward on Supreme Court mandated greenhouse gas regulation, a comprehensive climate and energy bill passed in the House, and our president actually attended international climate change negotiations. This movement knows we still have momentum, despite what climate and clean energy deniers say about these milestones.

Starting today through Thursday, March 4, dozens of environmental, faith, student, veteran, and labor organizations – representing millions of supporters – are taking part in the "72 Hours for Clean American Power" campaign. It is an unprecedented attempt by climate and environmental groups to band a number of different issue groups together for a call-in mobilization on Senate offices.

The demands are simple: keep the Clean Air Act strong and pass a comprehensive clean energy bill providing us with the opportunity to truly reform our energy and economic needs for a better future. Thousands have already signed up nationwide, expanding the voice of the movement for real legislation this year.

A call-in campaign seems daunting: you're asking people to take time out of their busy days to go to a website or call a number and speak with their senator's staff to make a case for legislation that isn't finalized. But strong, bold, forward-thinking legislation doesn't get created in a vacuum – public support is crucial to getting the ball rolling with our leaders and every single call matters.

1Sky held a call-in day in January to voice support for keeping the Clean Air Act from being dismantled by Senator Lisa Murkowski's resolution that would strip its authority to regulate greenhouse gases. We also asked our supporters to continue the push for a clean energy and climate bill. Climate action supporters registered more than 3,600 calls on a cold January day, helping set the table for discussions on the Clean Air Act and the bill.

Here's what a few callers reported during that campaign:

Jennifer in NC calling Sen. Kay Hagan: She didn't have a public position statement on (the leading climate bill), but assured me Hagan believes in global warming and believes something must be done; (she) stated that Hagan believes green jobs are a path forward and will be a champion here.
Richard in VA calling Sen. Mark Warner: Does not have a position on climate change legislation or Murkowski amendment. I told the staffer that Sen. Warner should show the same leadership in the Senate in this issue that he did as Governor of Virginia.
David in NY calling Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: "Their office said they were getting a lot of calls about the is issue."
Douglas in MI calling Sen. Debbie Stabenow: "Had a nice conversation. She supports green jobs, mom and apple pie. I felt like I got listened to a bit more after mentioning walking in a parade with Debbie and the fact that I admire her as a person."
Irene in FL calling Sen. George LeMeiux: "I said I know the Senator is a Republican, but he has small children and I hope he thinks of them and votes against Murkowski's resolution."

What will happen now when these voices are amplified by dozens of other groups and thousands of other voices? It will strengthen the movement and continue the push 1Sky started with our friends, allies, and supporters two years ago. Our leaders will hear the collective call: pass a strong climate bill this year.

DC Hill Update 3/1/10: Clean Air Act Attacks and Draft Climate Bill Expected This Week

Jason Kowalski — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:49:41 -0500

The Senate just passed a bipartisan jobs bill and health care returned to center stage in Washington. Debate heated up as Senator Murkowski's attack on the Clean Air Act gained both new support and new criticism. Also this week, a Senate climate trio including Senators Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman has reaffirmed their commitment to passing a climate bill this year, beginning with a draft bill.

1Sky and dozens of partners including Clean Energy Works are gearing up for a major call-in campaign taking place this week from March 2-4 asking senators to defeat Senator Murkowski's efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act and urging the Senate to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation.

1. Murkowski 'Dirty Air Act' Vote Expected Soon; More Co-sponsors and a New Attack in the House

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is expected to push for a vote on her proposal to gut the Clean Air Act (subs. req'd) this month – possibly as soon as this week. There continues to be a swell of pushback from public interest groups and the administration against Murkowski's Dirty Air Act.

Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV) and seven other coal state senators sent a letter last week to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson with questions about the impacts of the Murkowski resolution and plans for regulation of carbon emissions from big polluters and cars under the Clean Air Act. Jackson responded with a letter explaining the details of when different regulations would take effect, and the major problems that would arise if Murkowski were successful in overturning the endangerment finding.

Rockefeller announced his intention to introduce a separate bill that would also stop regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act to give Congress more time to pass regulation (rather than overturn the endangerment finding indefinitely as the Murkowski resolution does). 1Sky strongly opposes any efforts to undermine the Clean Air Act, including Rockefeller's new attack.

Last Thursday, Representatives Collin Peterson (D-MN), Ike Skelton (D-MO), and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) introduced a new joint resolution of disapproval aimed at gutting the Clean Air Act that more closely mirrors Senator Murkowski's proposal in the Senate. 14 more Representatives signed on as cosponsors of House bills designed to weaken the Clean Air Act, including eight democrats (1, 2).

For details on how to get involved to stop the Dirty Air Act, go to the USCAN page here.

2. Climate Bill Update

Last week Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) told Senator John Kerry (D-MA) that he wants Kerry – along with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) – to introduce a climate bill as soon as possible for consideration in the Senate this year. Kerry continued to express optimism about moving a bill this year despite remarks to the contrary by other senators. Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman are expected to release a draft of their bipartisan climate and energy bill later this week.

President Obama spoke to a meeting of top CEOs last week (subs. req'd) about the urgent need to put a price on carbon through federal legislation this year because of the certainty it will give to businesses leaders who need to plan ahead.

On Saturday, the New York Times published an op-ed written by Former Vice President Al Gore. In the piece, Gore reaffirmed the urgent need for climate legislation this year.

This week, from March 2-4, 1Sky supporters are joining with dozens of organizations to generate a massive number of phone calls to Senators asking them to stop Senator Murkowski's efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act and pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. Click here to learn more about the 72 Hours for Clean American Power.

3. Senate Passes Jobs Bill with Bipartisan Support, Begins Work on Second Bill

A $15 billion jobs bill passed the Senate last Wednesday morning with bipartisan support. Newly sworn-in Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) was the first Republican to vote to end a filibuster and was later joined by a number of other Republicans when the bill passed the Senate 70-28.

Late last week, another draft Senate jobs bill was floated that included programs from the $86 billion Finance Committee bill authored by Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Grassley (R-IA). This next bill could include tax credit extensions for new energy efficient homes (subs. req'd).

1Sky and other clean energy jobs advocates are especially supportive of short-term job-creating programs in the energy efficiency sector, like HOME STAR.

4. Healthcare Summit and Reconciliation

President Obama held a bipartisan health care summit all day last Thursday in an effort to bridge some of the divides in the health care debate, although coming out of the summit reports suggest that Democratic leaders are preparing to use the reconciliation process (which requires only 51 votes) to move health care legislation forward. With Congress and the administration committed to passing health reform, the timeline for passing comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation is once again to directly connected to if and when health care reform is completed.

5. Vermont State Senate Votes to Close Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant

Last Wednesday, the Vermont State Senate voted to close the accident-ridden, 38-year-old Vermont Yankee nuclear plant when its operational contract expires in 2012. This is the first time a state has moved to shut down a nuclear reactor, and it sheds new light on the dangers and problems associated with nuclear power just after President Obama announced substantial new loan guarantees for two new nuclear reactors.

Prepared by Jason Kowalski and Julie Erickson from 1Sky’s policy team. Please direct questions or comments to jason@1sky.org.