This Month: > Climate Change Bill Clears House Committee > National Security at Risk from Climate Change > Upcoming Events > Climate Change Bill Clears House Committee On May 21st, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act overcoming one more hurdle for the bill to pass the House this summer and begin debate in the Senate. The Waxman-Markey bill includes a mandatory and declining cap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. The strong targets work to both combat the effects of climate change and to kick-start investment in clean energy technologies and new jobs for Virginia and U.S. manufacturers. The bill also includes a smart plan to protect consumers and keep electricity rates low. EPA estimates that a well-designed cap that returns permit value to consumers can be achieved for as little as $98 per household per year - about a dime a day per person. "Chairmen Waxman and Markey have forged common ground on a common-sense, effective approach to capping carbon pollution," said Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp. "VCI thanks Congressman Boucher for working to advance this important piece of legislation," VCI's Director Rob Jones said. "We are hopeful that the rest of Virginia's Congressmen will follow suit and vote to pass the bill when it is on the floor." To see an infographic on how cap & trade, as featured in the Waxman-Markey bill, would create jobs, click here. > National Security at Risk from Climate Change As a follow-up to its 2007 report connecting national security and climate change, the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) recently issued "Powering America's Defense." Twelve top-ranked retired military officials once again conclude that America's energy position poses a serious and urgent threat to national security -- militarily, diplomatically and economically-and causes the US to be "exploitable by those who wish to do us harm." It's a sobering but honest, and necessary assessment," said Military Advisory Board Chairman General Charles F. "Chuck" Wald, USAF (Ret.). "As military planners and as responsible public servants we cannot turn a blind eye to the dangerous realities of our energy situation. The current recession is no excuse for inaction. If we don't address the fossil fuel issue now, we will see more price volatility, with steeper spikes and shorter cycles between spikes. We are already paying a penalty for not looking into the future." The report recommends taking immediate action and calls on the Department of Defense to take a leadership role in its outline, "A Roadmap for Energy Security" The report also concludes that a business as usual approach to energy security poses an "unacceptably high threat level from a series of converging risks," and that we should not pursue energy options "inconsistent with the national response to climate change." > Upcoming Events Planning for Strong Communities: A Workshop for Citizens in Richmond        June 6, Richmond: Sandstone Public Library Building a Clean Energy Future in NOVA        June 6, Arlington: NRECA Building Clean the Bay Day        June 6, Various locations on Chesapeake Bay Virginia's Land Conservation Conference        June 10-12, Wintergreen: Wintergreen Resort Corporate Sustainability: The Business Community's Role in Advancing Climate Protection        June 25, Charlottesville: University of Virginia LEED for General Contractors/ Construction Managers Workshop        July 22, Ashland: Trane Learning Center Save the Date: Virginia Environmental Assembly        September 12th, Staunton

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