The following is a statement from Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen regarding today’s release of draft clean energy legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA):

“With draft legislation aimed at reducing carbon pollution, investing in clean energy, and transforming our economy to free it from its dependence on dirty fossil fuels and create millions of new jobs, Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey and leaders on the Energy and Commerce Committee are heeding the call to meet the great challenges of our time.

“Shifting away from the dirty fossil fuel-based energy that causes global warming to clean, efficient, and renewable sources like wind and solar power will create good new jobs for millions of Americans. We can either take advantage of this shift, or continue to watch as other countries act more swiftly. By seizing on the strong momentum behind comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation, Chairmen Waxman and Markey are helping re-position our nation as an innovative leader, which will bolster our economy at a time when it is critically needed.

“Building upon the effectiveness of our nation’s clean air laws, this legislation seeks to hold polluting companies accountable for their share of the climate problem while providing an incentive for businesses that develop and promote clean energy solutions. The Clean Air Act has succeeded in improving our nation’s air quality and healing the hole in the ozone layer. The amendments outlined in the Waxman-Markey discussion draft provides the framework for reducing our atmosphere’s overload of global warming pollution. In addition, through its commitment to US assistance for the adoption of clean technologies abroad and for helping those most vulnerable to climate change here and around the world, this bill would provide needed momentum for an international climate agreement.”