Senators Kerry and Lieberman Introduce The American Power Act

Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman today revealed the details of what they are calling The American Power Act -- comprehensive energy and climate change legislation that they say will "create jobs, strengthen America’s energy independence, safeguard our national security, and restore our global economic leadership for decades to come."  The following are links to material posted on Senator Kerry's Web site:

• Full text of the bill. [PDF]
• Short summary of the bill.[PDF]
• Section by section summary of the bill.[PDF]
• Press release announcing the introduction of the bill.
• CBO: Kerry-Lieberman “American Power Act” Cuts Deficit by $19 Billion. Press Release. 7 July 2010. 
• EPA Economic Analysis Shows “American Power Act” Decreases Energy Bills. Press Release. 15 June 2010.
• Non-Partisan Analysis: Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act Protects Consumers. Press Release. Press Release. 14 May 2010.

See Senator Kerry's Web site for additional details. To read a Politico article ("Energy Bill Packed with Tax Breaks") summarizing key points of the bill, click here.

In reaction to the bill's release, leading climate and energy groups, including WWF, are encouraged by the bill’s progress and asking the President and Congress to lead and pass a comprehensive climate and energy bill. The following is their statement:

Today's action by Senators John Kerry (Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (Conn.) jumpstarts the Senate debate over America's energy future. Their unwavering leadership has been critical to the progress made thus far. It is time for America's leaders to get serious about a comprehensive clean energy and climate policy that will reduce our oil dependence, enhance our security, revitalize our economy and protect our environment.

Every day the Senate fails to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation we put our economy, our national security and our environment at greater risk. Americans overwhelmingly support action on clean energy and climate. Inaction is too costly, and the challenge is too urgent. The Gulf Coast oil catastrophe is yet another reminder that the United States must reduce its dependence on oil to protect our security, economy and environment.

The millions of Americans we represent demand a Senate vote on comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. President Obama and leaders of both parties in Congress must provide the leadership necessary to develop a clean energy and climate solution that becomes law this year.

In a press release (WWF Calls on President, Congress for Leadership in Passing Climate and Energy Legislation ), WWF CEO Carter Roberts said:  “I commend Senators Kerry and Lieberman for their leadership and persistence in keeping energy and climate at the top of the Congressional agenda. It is now up to President Obama and Senate leadership to ensure that we seize this moment to strengthen and pass a clean energy and climate bill this year."