Ohio Senators Play Critical Role in Passage of Climate Bill
In the halls of the U.S. Congress, representatives are discussing a potentially historic climate bill that would transition the U.S. to a clean energy economy. 1Sky is a collaborative national campaign working throughout the country to organize grassroots pressure to encourage the passage of this strong comprehensive climate legislation. 1Sky’s strategy is driven by field organizing and citizen engagement and combines hundreds of allied organizations. EcoWatch recently became an ally organization of 1Sky to help make sure that this bill will benefit Ohio communities.
The goals of the 1Sky campaign are to:
- Create 5 million green jobs and pathways out of poverty by rebuilding and refueling America with a comprehensive energy efficiency mobilization and immediate investments in a clean-energy infrastructure.
- Reduce global warming pollution by at least 35 percent below current levels by 2020, and by at least 80 percent by 2050, in line with the best science available. Recycle revenues from the sale of pollution allowances or carbon taxes to ensure they are equitably returned to the public to offset potential increases in energy costs, accelerate the transition to a clean energy future in the U.S. and internationally, and fund adaptation for vulnerable communities and natural systems here and abroad.
- Re-power America by imposing a moratorium on new coal plants that emit global warming pollution and replacing dirty fuels with 100 percent renewable energy.
In Ohio, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown and Republican Sen. George Voinovich should support the climate bill and look away from campaigns financed by the coal and oil industries trying to defeat the legislation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that Ohio is already home to six high hazard potential coal waste dumps. In addition to air quality issues, the state’s unemployment rate was a whopping 11.1 percent as of July 2009. The good news is Ohio-based companies embracing renewable energy technologies, such as Cardinal Fastener and Xunlight Energy, continue to hire workers from across the state, providing economic relief and new manufacturing dollars. A clean energy bill will make it easier for companies like these to use Ohio’s extensive manufacturing base and rebuild Ohio’s economy through increased investment in renewable energy.
Manufacturing jobs are a crucial component in swaying both Ohio senators to vote in favor of a strong climate bill. Brown and Voinovich need to hear from their constituents. A clean energy bill will bring jobs to Ohio, revitalizing its economy while rejuvenating its environment.
1Sky and EcoWatch urge Ohio citizens to call Brown at 202-224-2315 and Voinovich at 202-224-3353. Tell them to join with the majority of Americans who want comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year. Legislation will expand clean energy jobs, cut global warming pollution, and move us away from dirty fuels of the past and toward the clean energy of the future.
For more information, visit www.1Sky.org.