WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 31, 2009) After the release today of draft clean energy legislation by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster:

“It is imperative that Congress pass comprehensive clean energy and climate change legislation, and the draft legislation released today by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce builds on a strong consensus for passing legislation this year and outlines a long-term vision for the transition to a clean energy economy.

“Strong, responsible clean energy and climate change legislation must ensure international competitiveness and a sound transition to a green economy – creating millions of jobs building the clean energy economy in the United States, while taking the necessary steps to avoid the worst effects of climate change and moving America toward energy independence. In addition, by passing climate legislation, we will start the U.S. down a path toward forging a global treaty in Copenhagen.

“The labor unions and environmental organizations that make up the BlueGreen Alliance last week outlined our principles for climate change legislation in 2009, and we look forward to working with Congress to develop legislation that reflects the best scientific advice on reduction targets and implementation mechanisms that rapidly put Americans back to work in a clean energy economy.”

The BlueGreen Alliance last week outlined its goals for climate change legislation in 2009.

The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of green jobs in the United States. Launched by the United Steelworkers and Sierra Club in 2006, BGA has since grown to include the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), now uniting more than six million people in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy.  Visit us online at www.bluegreenalliance.org.

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