U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek In Support of the American Clean Energy and Security

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) submitted the following statement to the Congressional Record after voting in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act:

“I stand for the creation of new American jobs, for less dependence on foreign energy, and for a reduction in the carbon pollution that causes global warming.

“This bill is about national security, creating jobs in a new energy economy, and defending consumers through a fiscally responsible bill with consumer protections.

“These investments will also spur new jobs. The Political Economy Research Institute estimates that 3.5 jobs will be created in the new green job sector for every 1 job that is fossil fuel source based in Florida. This could mean over 94,000 jobs in Florida alone.”

“Too often our foreign policy decisions are affected by the regional stability of oil producing countries. In Iraq we are paying for our oil-centric obsession and Floridians have paid over $37 billion for the war there. This legislation offers incentives that promote energy efficiency and that will break our addiction to foreign oil. We must focus on research and development for green technologies and end the obsession with crude oil that is fueling too much of our economy.

“The bill is not perfect – few landmark bills are. But we cannot wait to act on climate change legislation. Florida is already experiencing eroding shorelines, flooding and dying coral reefs. In particular, the Everglades face severely altered water flows and harmful invasive species. This will also have a devastating impact on Florida’s economy. In 2007, tourists flocking to Florida’s beaches and other priceless environmental areas spent over $65 billion in Florida.

“Without aggressively capping carbon emissions, the earth’s temperature will continue to rise, causing more extreme storms and altered ocean conditions which will have a devastating effect on Florida’s ecosystem.

“The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) works to minimize price increases for consumers. On average the EPA estimates that this bill will cost an average household $98 to $140 per year in price increases, while holding those in the lowest income quintile harmless.

“Without carbon emissions caps, we have seen energy prices fluctuate drastically. By regulating carbon intensive goods and creating a transparent market this bill will help to stabilize those prices and help protect consumers.

“By investing in conservation, efficiency and renewables, Florida residents will see lower costs in energy though building weatherization improvement benefits, and energy efficiency savings.