(Washington, DC) - With respect to H.R. 2454, "The American Clean Energy and Security Act," Congresswoman Corrine Brown made the following statement:

"I believe that the bill on the House floor today, although not perfect, is a good start towards an improved, comprehensive approach to America's energy policy. The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which puts a cap on carbon dioxide emissions, invests in clean energy technologies, and helps communities across the nation adapt to climate change, is a high quality recipe in the fight against global warming.

To be sure, Florida burns a lot of coal for electricity, and coal remains our nation's largest energy resource. And one of the important things the bill does is that it invests into research for clean coal, something which I discussed with President Obama and former Vice President Al Gore, and was assured from both of them that they will assist to ensure that as the bill moves forward, that Florida energy consumers are going to have access to affordable coal and power to cool, heat and light our homes.

Indeed, the American Clean Energy and Security Act would, for the first time in our nation's history, put a price tag on carbon emissions. And it acts as an extremely important vehicle towards an urgent goal: to avoid catastrophic environmental damage.  For the United States to be the first nation to approve of such a measure would clearly demonstrate that our nation is a firm leader on the issue of climate change and environmental protection, and would place us as a symbolic leader in the fight to prevent further degradation of our planet. 

All in all, this bill will promote America's energy security as well as create clean energy jobs, both of which will assist in our nation's economic recovery and long-term growth.  Additionally, the American Clean Energy and Security Act will also tremendously benefit our foreign policy, serve it will begin the process of severing our excessive dependence on foreign oil.  Moreover, it would make our nation the world leader in clean energy jobs and technology, again, while simultaneously decreasing global warming and pollution.  

Indeed – continued inaction will very likely bring drought, famine, and coastal devastation in its wake.  And for the state of Florida in particular, with our 1,350 miles of low lying coastline, we are one of the most vulnerable states in the country to the impact of climate change, especially as sea levels rise because of rising temperatures. Certainly, the cost of inaction makes the bill's cost look insignificant (estimated by CBO as less than 50 cents per day)." 

Key provisions of the bill:

Require electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020;

Invest in new clean energy technologies and efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy;

Mandate new energy-savings standards for buildings and appliances;

Reduce carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and over 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels;

Protect consumers from energy price increases, which, according to the Congressional Budget Office, is less than 50 cents a day for the average American household.

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