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Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO & Executive Director Tom Cochran on Comprehensive Energy and Climate Legislation Approved by U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Posted on: Thursday, 21 May 2009, 21:19 CDT

WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Today, we commend Members of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce for moving a step closer towards establishing a first-ever Cap and Trade system in the United States - a move that will make industries, companies and other groups reduce their carbon emissions and promote pollution reduction at the lowest possible cost to society.

"However, we're concerned that the Committee agreed on a bill that provides billions of dollars for state governments but excludes direct funding for cities, which is where the majority of climate protection actions have been taking place as demonstrated by the 950 Mayors who have signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. We're recommending that at least 20 percent of the direct proceeds from auctions created by this bill that goes to states, instead go directly to cities to support efforts already underway by nearly 1,000 mayors."

"We will continue to work with the House Ways and Means Committee, and leaders in the House and Senate with the goal of obtaining a more comprehensive solution to solving the climate change problem. Last year, the Senate Climate Change bill, included provisions to fund local and state governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), and we commend Senator Boxer for her leadership. We hope that Congress will recognize the key role that local governments play, and correct their current version of the bill to provide funding for EECBG through the Climate Change Bill."

The EECBG is a critical new program, originally conceived by The U.S. Conference of Mayors, designed to provide direct funding to cities, counties and states to support their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy use, and increase energy independence in the United States. (http://www.usmayors.org/pressreleases/uploads/DOE_032609.PDF)

To see a listing of the 950 + cities that have signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, please visit: http://www.usmayors.org/climateprotection/agreement.htm

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors

Source: PR Newswire

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