Dear Members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation:
We believe that now is the time for America to take bold and serious action to build a clean energy economy for the future. We urge President Obama and Members of Congress to enact comprehensive federal legislation that provides incentives for new industries, businesses and jobs. This investment in a reliable, clean energy future will strengthen national security, promote environmental sustainability, and create opportunities that ensure America remains competitive in a global energy market.
The U.S. is already behind in clean energy sectors. Chinese cars are more than one-third more efficient than U.S. cars. China is also set to be the world’s leading manufacturer of wind turbines by the end of 2009. And, as of 2006, the U.S had less absolute renewable power capacity than the 25 member nations of the European Union.
It would be a mistake to inhibit the success and leadership of American businesses in the global market. While government must take the lead, we will be strong and willing partners in this effort, which is why we are pledging our support for a comprehensive federal policy that achieves the following:
- Incentives to create clean energy jobs. Incentivizing investments in clean energy technology will create new jobs, businesses and industries. Clean energy industries have produced at least 770,000 jobs, while the traditional energy sector employs only 1.27 million workers. According to a recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts, clean energy jobs in the U.S. grew at rate 2 ½ times greater than the general economy from 1998 to 2007. A 2009 study by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in partnership with the Center for American Progress found that investing $150 billion in clean energy produces a net gain of 1.7 million new jobs and reduces the unemployment rate by one full percentage point.
- A path to energy independence. America consumes about 11 percent of world oil production, while we produce only about 3 percent of it. Meanwhile, America spends more than $200,000 per minute on foreign oil, that’s $13 million per hour. For decades we have avoided addressing this dependence on foreign oil, placing America’s economic and national security at risk. Now is the time to move towards greater use and production of clean energy sources such as wind and solar.
- A promise of environmental sustainability for future generations. There is consensus within the scientific community that carbon pollution will have catastrophic impacts on the American people, creating severe natural disasters, spread of disease, loss of coastal communities, and a decline in crop and fish yields unless action is taken to mitigate these impacts.
- Advancement of America’s global competitiveness. Climate and energy trends are compelling a worldwide race toward clean energy goods and services. If we are to remain prosperous and secure, this is a race we must compete in effectively.
According to a task force of the World Economic Forum, investment in clean energy has surged from $33 billion annually in 2004 to more than $155 billion in 2008. Similarly, the International Energy Industry estimates that global investment in clean energy will need to grow to between $500 billion and $1 trillion annually in the next decade. This is a tremendous opportunity for American ingenuity; the clean energy economy must be a pillar for American economic renewal, progress and leadership in the coming years and decades.
We recognize that these are bold and challenging goals. However, when faced with adversity, Americans conquer their problems with optimism, courage and ingenuity. We call upon our leaders in Washington to forge policies that will achieve the economic, energy and environmental goals we need to realize.
Signed,
[Your Name]
[Name of your business]
[City]
[Phone number]
[E-mail]
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