WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 13, 2009) Following the announcement today by House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats of an agreement reached on international competitiveness provisions in clean energy legislation, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster:

“Legislation establishing a cap on the carbon pollution that causes global warming is a significant step toward building a new, green economy in the United States. As the nation continues to face high unemployment and the threat of climate change, Chairmen Waxman and Markey have shown true leadership on this critical issue.

“We are particularly pleased that the Committee has reached a consensus on provisions in the legislation that will cut carbon emissions and prevent job loss to other countries. We believe it is essential that this legislation provide the safeguards that allow American manufacturing and its workers to remain competitive with the rest of the world. The provisions laid out in the legislation move us forward in accomplishing this goal.

“In the face of economic crisis, we have an important opportunity to put millions of men and women to work building the clean energy economy. Passing comprehensive climate legislation is a critical step forward. The BlueGreen Alliance looks forward to working with Congress to make certain that the provisions in this legislation ensure the creation of millions of good, family-sustaining green jobs in the United States and the protection of public health and the environment for future generations.”

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