Resources

U.S. Legislation

House Passes Comprehensive Clean Energy Legislation

June 26, 2009 – The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives with 219 votes for, 211 against.

ACES Section-by-Section (PDF)

"This is the landmark energy and environmental legislative achievement of a generation. The bill's clean energy, efficiency and other emissions reduction provisions will make the United States safer, cleaner and more prosperous,” said Phyllis Cuttino, director of US Global Warming Campaign, Pew Environment Group  in a statement on House passage of ACES.

Key consumer relief provisions of the House passed bill:

• How Low-Income Consumers Fare in the House Climate Bill
• Adding Funding to the House Climate Bill for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Would Help Poor Families Facing Particularly Large Increases in Energy Costs
• Senate Can Strengthen Climate Legislation By Reducing Corporate Welfare and Boosting True Consumer Relief

New CBO Analysis on Household Costs from ACES quotes $175 in annual costs for the average household v. the cost of inaction (PDF), estimated to be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global GDP each year.

Economic benefits to farmers and ranchers
According to the USDA report (PDF), the long term economic benefits to agriculture from ACES legislation will likely outweigh the costs of the short term. “HR 2454's creation of an offset market will create opportunities for the agricultural sector. In particular, our analysis indicates that annual net returns to farmers range from about $1 billion per year in 2015-20 to almost $15-20 billion in 2040-50, not accounting for the costs of implementing offset practices.   

What’s next and international implications

Find out how your representative voted

Chairmen Waxman and Markey Introduce “The American Clean Energy and Security Act”

May 15, 2009 - Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Edward J. Markey introduced "H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act." The Energy and Commerce Committee will begin markup of the bill on Monday, May 18, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., and will complete consideration before the Memorial Day recess.

Find out more:

• Visit the Committee on Energy and Commerce Web site for more information



• H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (PDF)



• Summary of H.R. 2454 (PDF)

Read a legislative summary of U.S. Climate Action in 2008