Congressman Cohen Celebrates Earth Day, Pledges to Protect the Environment

“We in the Congress have a solemn responsibility to protect our planet and ensure we all have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink,” said Congressman Cohen. “Over the course of the past year, I have voted for and cosponsored important environmental legislation, and I will continue to fight to end global warming and protect our environment for future generations. I have heard from many of the people of the 9th District through my Town Halls and correspondence, and they are demanding that someone stand up to the big oil and power companies and do something about the energy and global warming crises in this country. During my 25 years as an elected official, I have proudly fought for tougher environmental safeguards and greater green regulations on high-pollution industries, and I will continue to do so throughout my tenure in Congress.”

Congressman Cohen added, “I’d like to thank everyone who participated in some of the festivities over the weekend in Memphis, particularly those who contributed their time and money at the Green Shoe Gala. I had the pleasure of attending the benefit, and it was wonderful to see so many people excited about environmental activism. I’d also like to thank everyone who participated in the Down To Earth Festival at Shelby Farms on Sunday. I appreciate the passion and the dedication to the organizers of these events which are vital to raising awareness about the important environmental issues that are facing the country.”

Democrats have already taken several major steps forward by passing landmark legislation that addresses the global warming crisis while creating new green collar jobs, cutting energy costs and helping end our dependence on foreign oil.

The historic and bipartisan Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 has been signed into law and will increase vehicle fuel efficiency standards and help save American families $700 to $1,000 per year at the gas pump. New building, appliance and lighting efficiency standards included in the new law will save consumers $400 billion through 2030. Additionally, the new law will help save 5.3 billion metric tons in energy-related CO2 emissions from 2008-2030 and cut the growth in energy-related emissions of CO2 by 10 percent.

Democrats are also working to enact new legislation that will promote investments in renewable energy, create hundreds of thousands of good-paying green collar American jobs, and end multi-billion dollar subsidies to big oil companies. The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 would end unnecessary subsidies to Big Oil companies and invest in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The bill extends and expands tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances. The solar investment tax credit in this legislation alone will reduce carbon emissions by 240 million tons, or the equivalent of taking 52 million passengers cars off the road for one year.

While the House has passed this legislation, Republicans and President Bush oppose the Democratic effort to end subsidies for oil companies that are earning record profits.

“Oil prices are skyrocketing and our dependence on foreign oil threatens our environment and our national security,” added Congressman Cohen. “It is time to abandon the failed energy policies of the past and invest in the future.”

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265