By Andrei G. Guschin
Vice President, Research
Bionavitas, Inc.
If you listen to their speeches, you would think that reducing fossil fuel dependence is a top priority for America’s elected leaders. We’ve heard decades of strong words about how we could enhance economic security, address the climate challenge, and make America safer by reducing our dependence on oil, coal, and gas.
But their actions tell another story. We’re more dependent on fossil fuels than ever, and we’re paying too high a price for that dependence. Our leaders in the other Washington have yet to deliver in a serious way on the promise of a strong clean energy economy and real climate solutions. Time and time again, they have flinched.
Now, they have a chance to stand firm for a real change. Within days or weeks, Congressman Reichert will cast a vote on the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act — a comprehensive strategy to build the clean energy economy and address the climate crisis by unlocking the power of American innovation.
ACES would steadily and dramatically increase investment in clean energy solutions that work – energy efficiency and renewable resources that save money and reduce climate pollution. It would deliver a real commitment – not just another speech – to reduce our fossil fuel dependence and join the world in the fight against global warming. It would position America to reap the benefits of clean energy leadership – good green jobs, healthier communities, and more a more robust, competitive economy.
And while ACES would open a world of opportunities in the clean energy economy, it’s more than an economic development strategy. It’s the right thing to do. For too long, we have squandered America’s economic strength and undermined our leadership abroad by taking a “can’t do” attitude to the climate challenge. With less than 5% of the people, we produce more than a quarter of the climate pollution and burn more than a third of the gasoline. But when it comes to solutions, we’ve been standing on the sidelines with our arms folded. That’s just not us.
America is ready to get back in the game. And it’s time for Congress to quit talking about the dangers of over-reliance on fossil fuels and do something serious about it. A tax break here and a subsidy there won’t get it done. We need a real, no-nonsense commitment to accelerate the clean energy transition, with timelines and accountability for results. ACES is the first key step in that commitment.
Like any Congressional compromise, ACES isn’t perfect. Its emission limits should be stronger; its loopholes should be tightened or eliminated; and it should go further to ensure that it’s fair and affordable for all Americans. Congress still has work to do to make it the strong, fair, efficient policy we need.
But legislation is a process of give and take, and the journey to real climate and energy solutions will take more than one step. ACES won’t get us all the way there, but it’ll launch us on the right path.
Congressman Reichert has shown himself to be open to good sound policies that align economic and environmental goals, even when he has to buck his party. He may never take a vote that has a greater impact on the future health and vitality of our community and our world than his vote on ACES. This is much bigger than party politics. It’s time to do what’s right and necessary and vote for ACES.
Bionavitas, Inc. is a bioscience company developing proprietary technologies for large-scale high density growth of algae for biofuels, nutrition and health, and bioremediation.
