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Seven from Michigan lobby U.S. Senate for clean energy

Submitted by Michigan LCV on Wed, 07/21/2010 - 10:20pm

On Capitol Hill this week, the last stand for clean energy legislation is underway. Hundreds of representatives, covering the gamut from businesspeople and veterans to scientists, environmentalists and religious leaders, will convene from across the United States to send the message that the Senate can no longer hesitate to act on creating a national energy policy. Americans are decided: It's time to combat climate change, wean ourselves off our addiction to foreign oil, and make clean energy here in America.

From Michigan, seven recruits are making their support for clean energy known through press meetings and conferences with the staff of Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow:

  • Marc Barragan, president, United Steelworkers Local 1299;
  • Frank Ettawageshik, executive director, United Tribes of Michigan;
  • Dana Kirk, manager, Anaerobic Digester Research and Education Center at MSU;
  • Danielle Korpalski, Midwest regional outreach coordinator, National Wildlife Federation;
  • Matt Ross, U.S. Army veteran;
  • Carla Walker-Miller, president and chief executive officer, Walker-Miller Energy Services;
  • Arianna Welsh, owner and operator, Welsh Outdoor Signs and Printing.

The reason for their fervor is due to the Senate's lack of action on this issue since the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act in June 2009. The president earlier indicated that clean energy and climate legislation was a policy priority for him. With both Houses of Congress led by his party, no one foresaw the struggle stretching out this long.

Nevertheless, despite the introduction of the American Power Act in May --- authored by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), and initially championed by Lindsey Graham (R-SC) --- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) seems to be waffling on his commitment to bring an energy bill to the floor before the August recess, from August 9 to September 7.

The timing couldn't be more important, as all eyes are on the midterm elections in November, which are expected to change the face of Congress --- for the worse in terms of the likelihood for future carbon regulation.

Now's your time to take action, too.  Call the Senate switchboard today at (202) 224-3121, and ask to speak with Senator Levin and Senator Stabenow about the need for comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation, or send an e-mail to Senator Levin and Senator Stabenow. Stay tuned for important updates as they happen.