Statement from Green For All CEO Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins on the House Energy & Commerce Committee's Passage of The American Clean Energy & Security Act

The House Energy and Commerce Committee today passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), a bill that lays the groundwork for a clean energy economy.

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

“We applaud Chairmen Waxman and Markey for their leadership efforts in crafting and advancing the American Clean Energy and Security Act out of committee and into the full House. 

“The bill represents a strong step towards comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. While there is much to applaud in the bill, there are also areas for substantial improvement. The legislation could be strengthened by substantial investments in workforce education to prepare workers for jobs and careers in the clean energy economy.  It also should tie clean energy investments to strategies that maximize opportunities for local workers and unrepresented populations.

 
“The legislation has the potential to expand opportunity and equality in the clean energy economy for all Americans. Right now, it is falling short of that promise.  As the process unfolds, we are committed to working closely with Congress to see that investments in green jobs and the entry points that move workers into higher-skilled occupations are strengthened and prioritized.”