Statement by Lisa Pohlmann, NRCM Deputy Director
We’re enormously disappointed that no climate and energy bill will even be considered by the U.S. Senate this summer, despite the fact that there has been tremendous progress made, and there is widespread support for a bill that will increase energy independence, boost clean energy jobs and protect our environment.
This issue is not over. We will continue to push for what Maine people have said time-and-time-again they want, and what future generations are depending on us for: comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation. Polls show more than 72% of Maine voters support this legislation, as do leaders from large and small businesses, faith-based groups, conservationists, and a wide range of public interest organizations.
There is still time this year to pass legislation, but each delay means more global warming, more imported oil, more exported dollars, and less growth in our clean energy economy.
We know Maine Senators have demonstrated leadership and are committed to the issues of clean energy and climate, but we need more from all of our leaders in Washington. With the poisonous atmosphere of hyper-partisanship, reaching across the aisle is difficult but must be done. The rhetoric and finger-pointing coming from Washington does not help. The truth is that no one has yet done enough because we haven’t reached the outcome we need: comprehensive climate and energy legislation for the country.
Maine Senators have led their party by showing support for a climate and energy bill. They need to do more, and they need partners across the aisle to do more, too.
Americans and Mainers expect and need leadership and action. We cannot afford to continue our dependence on fossil fuels, to lag in our development of a clean energy economy, and to stand by in the face of rapidly expanding threats to the well-being of our planet.
