Statement by WRI’s Jonathan Lash on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer are expected to introduce the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute (WRI), issued the following statement:

”Today, the U.S. Senate moves the United States one step closer to curbing the dangerous effects of climate change while simultaneously transitioning the country to a clean energy economy. Introduction of this bill, and the input from senators representing diverse regions of the country, will allow the Senate to enact environmentally strong and economically workable legislation.”

“Those who say this is the wrong time to act because of the economic recession are wrong. Businesses and investors need certainty, and this is a road map to transform America into the world’s leader in clean energy manufacturing, creating new industry and jobs.”

“EIA just announced that energy demand in the U.S. is dropping. This, combined with the long-term price signal the bill sends, will allow businesses to get comfortable with the new emissions requirements at a relatively low cost and give them the certainty that the investments they make in clean technology will have value in the future.”

“The Senate has an opportunity to spark economic growth through clean energy, and the time to act is now.”