ACTION ALERT:  Stand Up Against Obstructionist Tactics on Global Climate Change

The Senate is poised to vote on a critical procedural motion on climate change legislation on Friday morning, June 6.  Please contact your Senators immediately and ask them to vote for cloture on America’s Climate Security Act.

Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world.  This week, the U.S. Senate began debate on historic legislation that would provide America with the opportunity to transition to a clean-energy economy.  Late Wednesday night, Senate Majority Leader Reid moved to stop the obstructionist tactics that are blocking action on the legislation by filing for cloture.  This procedural motion requires the support of 60 Senators in order to move ahead, and the vote on cloture will likely come on Friday morning, June 6.   

Please contact your Senators and ask them to vote for cloture on America’s Climate Security Act.

Opponents of the bill have been using procedural tactics to delay voting.  These Senators, in an effort to protect the status quo, forced the Senate clerk to read the entire 491-page bill out loud on the Senate floor.  This is the same group that refuses to take note of recent scientific studies that show that global warming is already causing environmental changes that will have significant global economic and social impacts. 

America’s Climate Security Act will establish the basic framework that is necessary to curtail the pollution that is causing climate change.  The bill establishes a “cap and trade” system that will, if properly carried out, achieve two essential goals:  cutting green-house gas emissions enough to prevent the worst impacts of global climate change, and doing so in an economically efficient manner.  This bill is a good first step in creating a clean energy future for America.  However, a number of weakening amendments have been introduced in the Senate.  These amendments would provide loopholes that undermine the emissions cap through such mechanisms as a so-called "safety valve" that would allow pollution sources to purchase unlimited emission allowances.

It is time for the Senate to stop covering its eyes and to see the full picture:  America needs a clean-energy future that includes strong climate change legislation, clean-energy jobs and the creation and deployment of new technologies.

Take action today to encourage your Senators to support global climate change legislation!  Tell them to vote for cloture on America’s Climate Security Act.

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Senators now, by phone or by email, and tell them to vote for cloture on America’s Climate Security Act, as well as to oppose weakening amendments.  Tell them that global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers.  Encourage them to contact their Senators today!

BACKGROUND

Learn more about what the League is doing to protect against global climate change.

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For additional information, please contact LWVUS Grassroots Lobbyist Christina Vamvas at lobbying@lwv.org.