House Passes Historic Climate Bill!

On Friday, June 26th, the US House of Representatives passed the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) by a vote of 219 to 212. Thank you to everyone who took action in support of this legislation! Members of the Bay Area's congressional delegation who voted for this critical bill included Barbara Lee, Anna Eshoo, Nancy Pelosi, Jackie Speier, Mike Honda,Zoe Lofgren and Lynne Woolsey. We applaud their votes.

Websites of the Congressional Quarterly, Washington Post, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce offer summaries of ACES.

The legislation does contain some investments in climate adaptation projects that will help the world's most vulnerable communities better cope with the effects of climate change. Greater funding for these cost-effective projects is needed. Responding to the House's action, Oxfam America President Raymond Offenheiser said the bill "finally addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable communities everywhere who are being hit first and worst by the negative impacts of climate change."

ACES now moves to the Senate, which is expected to consider it in September. Before becoming law, the Senate must approve the bill, a conference committee must reconcile any differences between the House and Senate versions, and final votes must be taken. Then President Obama will be empowered to sign it into law.

Stay tuned for more information...

Take Action for Climate Justice!

As the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) heads to the floor of the US House of Representatives, it's vital to preserve and enhance the climate adaptation funding, which will invest in life-saving projects to help vulnerable communities cope with climate change, found in the current version of the bill. Take a moment to add your voice to those calling for climate justice by completing this quick-and-easy form.

A May 21 Oxfam America press release included an assessment of international adaptation funding as passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee:

International Adaptation — The bill establishes an important program for international climate adaptation in the most vulnerable developing countries, but the bill allocates only 1% of the value from the bill (about $750 million a year) for the program. This is an important start but far short of the significant need in developing countries already facing serious climate-related impacts and the amount that will be necessary to achieve a global agreement.

As noted here, current adaptation funding in ACES is only a small step in the right direction. Ask Congress to take advantage of this opportunity to stop harming the environment and start helping those already suffering from climate change through greater investment in adaptation. Stay tuned for developments!