Progressive Democrat Issue 80: CLEAN ENERGY

1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: Global warming is a reality and we are already having to deal with the consequences. In order to deal with it, we need to improve our energy efficiency throughout our society. In the past I have urged you to use compact fluorescent light bulbs not only because they save LOTS of energy, but in the long run they really do save you money. I still urge that you start with this one action.

2. Support the Clean Edge Initiative of 2006: In addition to switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, we can also urge our Senators to do more. From Act for Change:

Senator Cantwell of Washington - along with 24 co-sponsors - has introduced the Clean EDGE Act, which is designed to increase America's energy security be lessening our dependence on oil. Among other goals, the bill would:
set a national renewable portfolio standard requiring that 10 percent of all electricity produced in America come from renewable sources by 2020;

-accelerate conversion of America's auto fleet to better support "flex-fuel" technologies and encourage conversion of gas stations to support bio-fuels.

-End government subsidies to the oil companies -- who are currently earning obscene profits - and instead redirect this investment into serious federal-level incentives for clean energy and energy efficiency technologies.

-Protect consumers and businesses by going after gasoline price-gougers, and providing emergency assistance to low-income Americans and loans to small businesses when energy costs get too high.

The need to change our energy consumption patterns has never been more acute. Our thirst for oil leads to an interventionist foreign policy and support for
undemocratic regimes across the globe. Even more importantly, global warming is a grave and growing threat -- and we do not have a great deal of time to act.

Take action on this by going here and urging your Senator to support S. 2829, the Clean Edge Initiative of 2006.

3. The Apollo Challenge: A more ambitious effort is afoot. Taking inspiration from President Kennedy’s Apollo program, the Apollo Challenge is urging a similar program to get America on track to energy independence while helping the environment and CREATING 3 million jobs in America.

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