Last Friday, Congress took a historic step toward a clean-energy economy by
passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. While the dramatic shift we
need in our energy policy and the dire scientific predictions regarding global
warming demand that we do much more, the first step is always the hardest. This
Congress should be applauded for taking it.
I thank Reps. Kendrick Meek and Debbie
Wasserman Schultz for voting to pass this landmark legislation. Unfortunately,
Rep. Alcee Hastings was absent during the vote, and Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
and Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart voted against this critical step forward.
America's
best chance for a clean-energy revolution now moves to the U.S. Senate. I urge
Sens. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez to strengthen and pass the bill to deliver
on the promise that clean energy holds to recharge our economy, put Floridians
back to work and protect future generations from global warming.
ADAM RIVERA, advocate, Environment
Florida, Miami Beach
