Statement from Green For All CEO Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins on the American Power Act

Today, Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman released a discussion draft of the American Power Act, the U.S. Senate’s energy and climate legislation.

The statement, from Green For All Chief Executive Officer Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, follows:

“Green For All applauds Senators Kerry and Lieberman for their leadership efforts in crafting and advancing the American Power Act, and moving our nation closer to a clean-energy future that improves the health, wealth, and well-being of all Americans.

“Our country knows that we are on an unsustainable path, too dependent on unreliable and dirty energy sources. This legislation represents a strong step towards greater energy independence, increased national security, and enhanced environmental protection.

“As an organization dedicated to building broad opportunity through green investment, we particularly commend the inclusion of the Green Construction Careers Demonstration Project that strengthens the livelihood of the American worker and creates middle-class careers for our most vulnerable communities.

“While there is much to applaud in the bill, there are also areas for substantial improvement. The final legislation must include clean-energy investments that maximize opportunities for quality job creation, specifically for unrepresented populations who traditionally have had little access to career-track jobs. And it must maintain the full ability of states and the EPA to advance solutions to our environmental and economic challenges without politics impeding.

“As the debate moves forward, we are committed to working closely with the President and the leadership of the U.S. Senate to swiftly pass strong, comprehensive energy and climate legislation this summer that lays the foundation for an inclusive, green economy.”