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June 23, 2009 — As the Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA) heads to the floor of the House of Representatives this week for an historic vote, The Nature Conservancy is highlighting several provisions in the bill. This comprehensive legislation — the first climate change bill to reach the House floor — signals to the world a readiness to fully engage in global climate change negotiations.
"It is remarkable that Chairmen Waxman and Markey have put together a deal that has earned the respect and support of environmental organizations, power companies and major manufacturers,” said Eric Haxthausen, Director of U.S. Climate Policy at The Nature Conservancy. “This pragmatic, solutions-based approach is what is needed to tackle this difficult challenge.”
Haxthausen continued, “Of note: this week's vote would establish significant and sustained support for halting the destruction of the world’s tropical forests, which play a direct role in reducing emissions. The bill recognizes this with an innovative combination of market-based credits and a dedicated fund for forest protection and capacity building in other nations. At last, we have an opportunity to slow or halt forest destruction on a global scale, while providing critically needed emission reductions to stabilize our atmosphere."
"Nature-based strategies to help communities and wildlife around the world cope with climate change offer some of the easiest, most cost-effective and common-sense solutions in the bill,” added Bob Bendick, Director of US Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy. “The funding provided through H.R. 2454, though not fully addressing the needs, will be essential for the protection of natural resources for people as well as fish and wildlife in an already warming world. It is critical for the future stability of economies around the world, as well as public health and safety. We are grateful to Representative John Dingell for advancing funding for these purposes and look forward to continuing to work with the House on these provisions.”
A key question for future legislative consideration will be how quickly a final bill reduces the emissions that are causing global warming, and the Conservancy urges legislators to continue to reach for bold emissions reductions that will be a strong signal to other countries and help protect future generations.
The Conservancy will be working actively during the weeks ahead with members of both parties and in both houses to assist them in enacting legislation that delivers the investments and emission reductions that will be needed in time to provide a strong basis for a U.S. negotiating position at the international climate talks in Copenhagen in December.
Andrew Deutz, Director of International Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy, concluded, "A cap on emissions, provisions for forest carbon offsets, and financial commitments to help people and nature adapt to climate change: these are the trifecta the U.S. needed to deliver to be a credible leader in the crucial round of international climate negotiations in Copenhagen. These measures show both a commitment to change and an understanding of the incentives needed to assure engagement of developing countries in crafting a global climate agreement."
The Nature Conservancy is also pleased that the bill largely reflects the recommendations in the USCAP’s Blueprint for Legislative Action and looks forward to continuing efforts to refine the legislation as it moves toward a floor vote in the House.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Mark Godfrey (the Adirondacks); Photo © Lynda Richardson (Gulf Coast).
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