Help Pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES)

June 26, 2009

ACES in a nutshell:

On Friday, June 26th the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy & Security Act (also known as ACES, or the Waxman-Markey Bill).

While imperfect, this historic legislation will put the U.S. on the path to slash the carbon emissions that cause global warming 80 percent by 2050, a signal accomplishment necessary to preserve the planet for future generations.

ACES is also projected to trim the federal deficit over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). CBO projects the bill will save the U.S. more than $24 billion.

Learn more about why this bill is so important by reading this coalition letter to the US House of Representatives.

Current Situation:

Now the bill moves on to the U.S. Senate. While it is there, we must work to improve several key areas before it comes back to the House for reconciliation. Before the President signs this bill into law, it must:

* include a mechanism for cleaning up the oldest and dirtiest coal plants,

* boost investments in energy efficiency,

* hasten our transition toward clean energy sources like wind and solar,

* and steer more of the bill's investments toward the public benefit—not polluters.

TAKE ACTION:

1. Both Congressmen Chandler and Yarmuth voted in favor of this bill while it was in the House. If you reside in their congressional districts, please call and thank them for supporting final passage of H.R. 2454.

If you reside in Congressional District #6 (map of CD#6, or find your CD here), identify yourself as one of Congressman Chandler's constituents and provide your city of residence.

If you reside in Congressional District #3 (map of CD#3, or find your CD here), identify yourself as one of Congressman Yarmuth's constituents and provide your city of residence.

What you can say:

"My name is ________. I live in _________, KY and am one of your constituents. I am calling to thank you for supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act - HR 2454.  This bill will help launch a clean energy future and avert the worst impacts of climate change. Please continue to work to defend, strengthen, and pass this bill into law."

Congressman Chandler's phone numbers:
Washington: (202) 225-4706
Lexington: (859) 219-1366

Congressman Yarmuth's phone numbers:
Washington: (202) 225-5401
Louisville: (502) 582-5129

2. Find out how your Congressman voted on this bill in the House and Email him a message asking him to make every effort to defend, strengthen, and pass the bill before it reaches the President's desk to be signed into law.

3. Join the Sierra Club - the more members we have in Kentucky, the more effective we can be at protecting the health and safety of Kentuckians through our environmental work on issues such as safeguarding our drinking water.

4. Donate to our Chapter to support our environmental work in Kentucky on issues like this.

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