A Historic Vote on Energy and Climate Change Bill

On June 26, 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). ACES represents America’s first comprehensive attempt to build a new, clean energy economy. It would create millions of jobs, reduce our country’s dangerous dependence on oil, and mitigate the threat of global warming.

The vote marks the first time either house of Congress has passed legislation to curb emissions that contribute to global warming. CLCV’s federal counterpart, the League of Conservation Voters, considers the vote “the most important environmental vote ever taken by the House of Representatives.”

Of course, the vote was extremely close -- 219-212.

We know that compromises were made in order to secure the necessary votes for the legislation in the House of Representatives. Some of the more progressive members of Congress believed the concessions to industries like coal and agriculture weakened the bill too much, and withheld their votes. The perfect could indeed have become the enemy of the good. But CLCV members didn’t let that happen.

While we in California are hard at work on statewide priorities including legislation and elections, we also helped drum up support for ACES by activating CLCV members through our MAC (Membership Action Campaign) program. We called CLCV members and passed them directly through to Congressional offices to voice their support for this landmark bill. Many of you answered the call and contacted your representatives to urge them to support ACES. Thank you for doing your part and making your voice heard.

Here’s what President Obama said about the urgency of passing this legislation:

“The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy... There’s no longer a debate about whether carbon pollution is placing our planet in jeopardy. It’s happening. And there’s no longer a question about whether the jobs and industries of the 21st century will be centered around clean, renewable energy. The only question is: Which country will create these jobs and these industries? And I want that answer to be the United States of America.”

President Obama outlined precisely why passage of this legislation is so crucial for the future of the United States: This is a climate change bill, a jobs bill, and a national security bill. We celebrate its passage in the House and look forward to strengthening it and helping it pass in the Senate.

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