Press Release: Butterfield Votes for Clean Energy Bill

REP. G.K. BUTTERFIELD HELPS PASS HISTORIC COMPREHENSIVE CLEAN ENERGY BILL

Raleigh, NC – Conservation Council of North Carolina applauded Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) for voting last night to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) through the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he serves as Vice Chairman.

“Conservation Council of North Carolina believes this is the most important committee vote that Congressman Butterfield has ever taken. This historic legislation provides America with a comprehensive clean energy package that puts us on a path to create millions of new jobs, reduce America’s dependence on oil, and protect our natural resources by cutting global warming pollution,” said Alina Johnson, Global Warming Policy Liaison for Conservation Council of North Carolina.

The bill, which passed on a 33-25 vote late Thursday evening, would set the first federal limits on carbon emissions that cause global warming pollution. The creation of a ‘cap and trade’ program will achieve 17 percent reduction in global warming pollution by 2020, and 83 percent reductions by 2050. A portion of the revenue generated from the sale of emissions permits will go towards offsetting higher energy bills that low and middle income consumers may incur as we make the necessary transition to a clean energy economy.

State and local governments would also benefit from the bill, which will provide funding to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The legislation represents a compromise among many interests. While it makes some investments in energy efficiency, there is an opportunity to strengthen this bill during the next phase on the floor of the full House of Representatives by investing further in efficiency. Stronger efficiency requirements in the bill would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and further reduce energy bills for businesses and homeowners.

“Investing in clean energy is the best path forward to restore our lost economic strength. Congressman Butterfield understands that reducing global warming pollution and transitioning to a clean energy economy are vital steps to ensure a brighter future for all North Carolinians. We hope that he will continue to urge his fellow representatives and members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to support this landmark clean energy legislation,“ said Johnson.

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CONTACT: Alina Johnson; alina@conservationcouncilnc.org; 919.839.0978