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INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE 

Positions of US Members on the American Clean Energy

and Security Act of 2009 (Waxman-Markey Bill)

Morgan S. Harries July 2009

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Table of Contents Government Agencies ............................................................................................................3 US Environmental Protection Agency ........................................................................................3 

Environmental NGOs ..............................................................................................................3 Environmental Defense Fund........................................................................................................3 International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies .....................................................3 National Audubon Society ..............................................................................................................4 National Parks Conservation Association.................................................................................4 National Wildlife Federation.........................................................................................................4 Natural Resources Defense Council ............................................................................................5 Ocean Conservancy...........................................................................................................................6 Sierra Club ...........................................................................................................................................6 The Nature Conservancy.................................................................................................................6 The Pew Charitable Trusts.............................................................................................................7 The Wild Foundation .......................................................................................................................8 The Wildlife Conservation Society ..............................................................................................8 United Nations Foundation............................................................................................................9 World Resources Institute .............................................................................................................9 World Wildlife Fund – US................................................................................................................9 Worldwatch Institute.................................................................................................................... 10 

Reference ................................................................................................................................ 11  

 

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GOVERNMENT AGENCIES US Environmental Protection Agency EPA Analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 H.R. 2454 in the 111th Congress – 6/23/09 Report, June 23, 2009 This document represents EPA’s analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454). The analysis was conducted by EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. This analysis is available online at: www.epa.gov/climatechange/economics/economicanalyses.html Or PDF format: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/economics/pdfs/HR2454_Analysis.pdf  Statement of Lisa P. Jackson Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Hearing on American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives Press Release, April 22, 2009  

ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS Environmental Defense Fund President of EDF, Fredd Krupp hails the American Clean Energy and Security Act as “the most important environmental and energy legislation in our nation’s history.” Krupp applauded Waxman and Markey for producing legislation that has support from a diverse set of interests. Statement of EDF President Fred Krupp on House Passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act Press Release, June 26, 2009

International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies commented on the inclusion of funds dedicated to safeguarding “wildlife and natural resources threatened by global warming” in the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed by the House on June 26, 2009. According to the Association’s press release, the ACES act will provide “program structure and a funding stream for state and federal natural resource adaptation programs to remediate the effects of climate change on fish, wildlife and their habitats.”

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Support for Natural Resource Adaptation Included in House Passage of Historic Energy/Climate Change Legislation Press Release, June 26, 2009

National Audubon Society National Audubon Society President and CEO John Flicker described the passage of the Waxman-Markey bill as a “historic step forward for the health of people, nature and our economy.” Statement of John Flicker, National Audubon Society President and CEO concerning House approval of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Press Release

National Parks Conservation Association NCPA Director of Clean Air and Climate Programs Mark Wenzler emphasized that human-caused changes to our global climate affect our nation’s plants and animals, in addition to humans. A forthcoming report by the NCPA, “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States” (http://www.globalchange.gov/), will illustrate five ways we can help safeguard wildlife in our national parks and facilitate efforts in Congress to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Wenzler notes, “the bill would provide needed funding to help the National Park Service and other federal agencies to protect our lands, waters, and wildlife, and ultimately, ourselves, from climate change.” Climate Impacts Also Affect Wildlife and National Parks Press Release, June 16, 2009 Statement by Mark Wenzler, Director, Clean Air and Climate Programs, regarding “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States”.

National Wildlife Federation Joseph Mendelson, Director of global warming policy at the National Wildlife Federation, described the passage of the Waxman-Markey bill through the House Energy and Commerce Committee on May 21, 2009 as “a shot heard around the world” that positions America as a leader in the clean energy revolution. Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, described the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act through the House on June 26, 2009 as “the most important conservation vote in a generation” that will “undo a flawed energy policy” and put America on a path towards a new energy future. House Makes Historic Vote for Energy Independence Press Release, June 26, 2009

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Statement by Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, in reaction to the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act through the House. Climate Vote the Shot Heard Around the World Press Release, May 21, 2009 Statement by Joseph Mendelson, director of global warming policy at the National Wildlife Federation, in reaction to the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House Energy & Commerce Committee on May 21, 2009.

Natural Resources Defense Council Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, described the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act through the House on June 26th as “almost unimaginable six months ago” – and despite compromises, it remains a piece of “strong and vital legislation” that will create new jobs, increase energy efficiency, and limit carbon pollution that causes global warming. Beinecke notes that the bill needs to be strengthened once it moves to the Senate; Beinecke suggests this can be achieved by strengthening the targets for carbon pollution. Beinecke cautions that “we need to make sure that as we establish limits on global warming pollution, we build on the tools of the Clean Air Act, not replace them.” House Passes ACES: A Dramatic Breakthrough for Clean Energy and Climate Protection Statement, June 26, 2009 Statement from Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, in reaction to the passage of the American Energy & Security Act through the House. Strengthen and Pass H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) Legislative Analysis, June 15, 2009 An analysis of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), outlining the potential of the legislation for creating millions of jobs, breaking our dependence on oil, and reducing the pollution that causes global warming. The analysis also includes suggestions for strengthening this critically important legislation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) Can Help Build the Clean Energy Economy and Solve the Climate Crisis Fact Sheet, May 22, 2009 The American Clean Energy and Security Act -- better known as the Waxman-Markey clean energy and climate bill -- has the major ingredients to generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on oil, and reduce the pollution that causes global warming. Statement from Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council Letter, May 21, 2009 A Letter to Representatives in Congress from Natural Resources Defense Council in Support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

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Letter, May 18, 2009

Ocean Conservancy The Ocean Conservancy calls on the Senate to continue push for faster, cheaper, safer energy solutions for Americans and our ocean. Ocean Conservancy applauds the House passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, spurring serious investment in renewable forms of energy, and curbing the impacts of global climate change throughout the country. The bill includes many important items for ocean use, protection, and conservation. Ocean Conservancy Hails House Passage of Climate Change Bill and the Beginnings of a Sea Change for the Ocean Press Release, June 26, 2009

Sierra Club After initially opposing the legislation on the basis that it would undermine clean energy jobs and promote aggressive offshore drilling programs, the Sierra Club expressed confidence in the Senate to make necessary changes to the bill. Clean Energy Jobs Plan Clears House in Historic Vote Press Release, June 26, 2009 Sierra Club Cheers House, Looks Ahead to Senate Action Senate Energy Bill Falls Short on Clean Energy, Jobs Press Release, June 17, 2009 Sierra Club Opposes Current Bill After Weakening in Committee Undermines Clean Energy Jobs, Promotes Aggressive Offshore Drilling Program Sierra Club Applauds Historic House Vote on Comprehensive Clean Energy Plan Press Release, May 21, 2009 Bill Moves Us One Step Closer to Clean Energy Future; Key Elements Must Be Strengthened As Plan Moves Forward

The Nature Conservancy Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy, hails the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) as a “watershed event for conservation” that demonstrates US leadership on climate change. TNC encourages the Senate to build on the success in the House by passing the legislation. Statement of Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy, on passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Press Release, Nature Conservancy News Room, June 26, 2009

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House Should Support Climate Change Bill. Press Release, The Nature Conservancy in Florida, June 25, 2009 The Nature Conservancy applauds passage of the Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA). Press Release, Nature Conservancy News Room, May 21, 2009 The Nature Conservancy highlighted specific provisions of the Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA), which was reported out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The Pew Charitable Trusts The Pew Center on Global Climate Change A statement issued by Eileen Claussen, President of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, following the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 by the U.S. House of Representatives commends the achievements of policymakers as a “historic turning point for climate action in the United States.” According to Claussen, “the ACES Act will help tackle climate change, drive our economic recovery, and advance energy independence.” Statement: House Passes Landmark Climate Bill Press Release, June 26, 2009 What the Waxman-Markey Bill Does for Agriculture Fact Sheet PDF Version Pew Center urges vote for Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill (H.R.2454) Letter, June 24, 2009 PDF Version Myths about the Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill Climate Policy Memo #2 – Eight Myths about the Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill June 2009 PDF Version Cost of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Found to Be Small According to Government Analyses Climate Policy Memo #3, June 2009 PDF Version The Pew Environment Group Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Environment Group's U.S. Global Warming Campaign, praised the efforts of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chairmen Henry Waxman and Edward Markey for their leadership behind the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

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Pew Environment Group on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Press Release, June 26, 2009 In response to passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House. Pew Environment Group on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Press Release, May 21, 2009 In response to the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House Energy & Commerce Committee on May 21, 2009.

The WILD Foundation The WILD Foundation expressed disappointment that the American Clean Energy and Security Act provided little mention of preventing the destruction of wild-nature (responsible for 20-50% of all greenhouse gas emissions) in its plans for reducing carbon emissions. New Bill for Carbon-Caps, but not Protecting Wild-Nature June 30,2009

The Wildlife Conservation Society The Wildlife Conservation Society applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. John F. Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society commends Congress for including among the critical components of the bill, provisions to fight climate change by ensuring preservation of the world’s forests and other natural resources. The bill directly addresses deforestation, which results in one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions. In a press release on May 21, 2009, the WCS noted that the provisions call for action to avoid the burning or cutting down of the world’s forests. Key provisions included in the ACES bill allow for the sale of carbon credits generated by forest protection and avoided deforestation in developing countries to U.S. companies. The WCS believes that it is equally important that the ACES bill also calls for both domestic and international funding for adaptation and mitigation to the adverse impacts of climate change on our natural resources. WCS Applauds Passage of American Clean Energy and Security Act in House of Representatives Press Release, June 26, 2009 Statement released by John F. Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society regarding passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454) by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009. WCS Applauds Inclusion of Forestry Provisions In American Clean Energy and Security Act Press Release, May 21, 2009

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The Wildlife Conservation Society applauds U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for including provisions on forestry preservation in the American Clean Energy and Security Act. New Hope for Forests Article, May 21, 2009 The Wildlife Conservation Society applauds U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for including provisions on forestry preservation in the American Clean Energy and Security Act. WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs John Calvelli called the new safeguards for tropical forests “groundbreaking.”

United Nations Foundation Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation, described the American Clean Energy and Security Act as “the first step toward an energy policy for the 21st century.” Acknowledging that the legislation “could and should be strengthened” according to scientific findings, Wirth insists that the bill is a viable political solution. Waxman-Markey climate change legislation slated for debate and a potential vote in the House of Representatives today Press Release, June 26, 2009

World Resources Institute “Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute congratulates Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA), and members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on their historic vote this evening to approve The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA). The WRI will continue urgently to pursue the passage of environmentally protective, economically sustainable, and fair climate legislation.” WRI Applauds Historic Step by the U.S. House of Representatives Press Release, May 22, 2009

World Wildlife Fund – US World Wildlife Fund officials commended the House of Representatives for taking a first step towards a clean energy economy, creating jobs and exports, and protecting our nation’s quality of life and said the bill is a critical starting point, at a crucial time given the increasing urgency of the climate change problem. WWF President and CEO Carter Roberts highlighted that “this bill is not everything we need” but acknowledged it would be an “unprecedented leap forward.” Dr. Richard H. Moss, vice president of WWF’s climate change program, emphasized the crucial importance of passing a strong climate bill this year in order to demonstrate U.S. leadership on the issue prior to international

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negotiations that will take place this December in Copenhagen. Moss noted that the bill includes provisions that are essential to reaching an agreement in Copenhagen. WWF Welcomes House Passage Of Landmark Energy And Climate Legislation Press Release, June 26, 2009 In Historic Vote, Congress Takes Key First Step Toward Clean Energy Future; "If we bankrupt nature, there will be no bailout," says WWF CEO Carter Roberts WWF – House Vote on Waxman Markey Climate Legislation Webpage Informational webpage by WWF on landmark legislation. World Wildlife Fund Statement on the American Clean Energy and Security Act Press Release, May 14, 2009 World Wildlife Fund issued the following statement from President and CEO Carter S. Roberts on the revised American Clean Energy and Security Act resulting from negotiations led by House Energy Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA). WWF Praises "American Clean Energy And Security Act" As Major First Step Toward Strong Climate Bill Press Release, March 31, 2009 Dr. Richard H. Moss, vice president for climate change at World Wildlife Fund, offered praise for the “American Clean Energy and Security Act”.

Worldwatch Institute An opinion article written by Michael Renner, a Senior Researcher at the Worldwatch Institute, criticizes the accomplishments of the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) bill as not effectively combating the dangers of climate change. Renner targets Obama’s chief climate negotiator, Todd Stern, for opposing emissions cuts by industrialized countries by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 because they were “not feasible” and “unnecessary”. According to Renner, “ACES is muddying the waters by pegging reductions to 2005, rather than to the internationally recognized benchmark of 1990.” Renner argues that ACES is in great need of strengthening as it goes before the consideration of the Senate. OPINION: Turn up the Heat in the Climate Battle Opinion Article, June 29, 2009  

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REFERENCE Environmental Defense Fund http://www.edf.org/pressrelease.cfm?contentID=10049 International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies http://www.fishwildlife.org/press_6.26.09.html National Audubon Society http://www.audubon.org/news/EnergyMeas.html National Parks Conservation Association http://www.npca.org/media_center/press_releases/2009/climate-impacts-also-affect.html National Wildlife Federation http://usclimatenetwork.org/resource‐database/aces_p_nwf.pdf/at_download/file http://usclimatenetwork.org/resource‐database/aces_nwf521.pdf/at_download/file Natural Resources Defense Council http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/legislation/default.asp http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/files/aces0906.pdf http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/legislation/files/waxman.pdf http://usclimatenetwork.org/resource‐database/aces_nrdc521.pdf/at_download/file http://usclimatenetwork.org/resource‐database/aces_p_nrdc.pdf/at_download/file http://usclimatenetwork.org/resource‐database/NRDC_ACES support letter_5.18.09.pdf/at_download/file Ocean Conservancy http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/News2?abbr=press_&page=NewsArticle&id=13237 Sierra Club http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=116923.0 http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=114481.0 http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=110801.0 The Nature Conservancy http://www.nature.org/pressroom/press/press4047.html http://www.nature.org/pressroom/press/press4094.html http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/press/press4091.html The Pew Charitable Trusts http://www.pewclimate.org/acesa/agriculture http://www.pewclimate.org/acesa/costs http://www.pewclimate.org/acesa/eight-myths/June2009

http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Agriculture-Final.pdf http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Letter-Yes-Vote.pdf http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Policy-Memo-2-8-Myths-July09.pdf http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/PolicyMemo3-Model-Summary-July09.pdf http://www.pewclimate.org/letter/HR2454 http://www.pewclimate.org/statement/house-passes-climate-bill/06-26-09 http://www.pewglobalwarming.org/newsroom/release_21may2009.html http://www.pewglobalwarming.org/newsroom/release_26june2009.html The Wild Foundation http://www.wild.org/blog/new-bill-for-carbon-caps-but-not-protecting-wild-nature/ The Wildlife Conservation Society http://www.wcs.org/new-and-noteworthy/new-hope-for-forests.aspx http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/american-clean-energy-and-security-act.aspx http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/wcs-applauds-inclusion-of-forestry-provisions-in-american-clean-energy-and-security-act.aspx United Nations Foundation http://www.unfoundation.org/press-center/press-releases/2009/waxman-markey-climate-change-legislation-slated-for-debate.html US Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/aging/press/epanews/2009/2009_0422_1.htm http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/economics/pdfs/HR2454_Analysis.pdf www.epa.gov/climatechange/economics/economicanalyses.html World Resources Institute http://www.wri.org/press/2009/05/wri‐applauds‐historic‐step‐us‐house‐representatives World Wildlife Fund – US http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/waxmanmarkeyhousevote/ http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2009/WWFPresitem12865.html http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2009/WWFPresitem12015.html http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2009/WWFPresitem12397.html Worldwatch Institute http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6176