Green For All Dissappointed by Senate's Impass on Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act

As Senate debate on the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 3036) concluded today, Green For All expressed disappointment with the Senate’s inaction on the bill, which had the potential, particularly if strengthened during the amendment process, to affect profound and positive change for both the American people and the planet. The statement, from Green For All Founder and President Van Jones, follows:

“It is a shame that political gamesmanship has paralyzed the Senate on such a crucial piece of legislation.  As the first climate protection legislation to make it out of committee and onto the floor, the debate on the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act had the potential to lay the groundwork for the future of our nation’s environment and economy.

“Many of the arguments against the legislation were patently false.  The claim that the bill hurts the poor ignored the assistance for low-income consumers already in the legislation, which could have been easily strengthened in the amendment process.”  

“It is ironic that some Senators chose to argue against this bill on the basis that it does not protect those less fortunate; their voting records clearly indicate that the poor are not the constituents with whom they are most concerned.

“The fact of the matter is that this issue is far too important to employ scare tactics and play politics with. The fate of our economy and our planet is at stake – a fact that many Senators do not understand, or choose to ignore.

“This is a missed opportunity. The effects of global warming are real and warrant a genuine discussion and substantive action.

“We do, however, want to commend Senator Barbara Boxer.  She has proven herself to be the national leader and voice that we have been longing for in the Senate. She is a true heroine, and the nation will owe her an incalculable debt when we finally win sane climate policy in the United States.

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About Green For All
Green For All is a national organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.  By advocating for local, state and federal commitments to job creation, job training, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the emerging green economy – especially for people from disadvantaged communities – Green For All fights both poverty and pollution at the same time.