Bipartisan Climate Action & Energy Independence Framework: Better Jobs, Cleaner Air

Earlier today, Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released their framework for bipartisan climate action and energy independence legislation.

In a letter to President Obama, the Senators wrote: "Over the past month, we have been working together to develop consensus on a comprehensive pollution reduction and energy independence plan. Support is building to simultaneously create jobs, protect our national security interests, and improve our environment. As you depart for Copenhagen, we wanted to provide an assessment of where we see the debate heading in the United States Senate."

The proposal is bipartisan in every sense of the word.  The framework appeals to conservatives by encouraging nuclear power, ensuring a future for coal, and protecting American farmers.  The proposal includes an "achievable and reasonable" emissions reduction target of 17% below 2005 levels, which will surely earn the support of progressives and environmentalists. 

People of every political stripe will recognize the benefits of finally becoming more energy independent.  Not only will this stabilize the supply and price of our energy resources, but it is essential to our national security. As Sen. John McCain often said during the 2008 campaign, "We're sending $700 billion dollars a year to countries that don't like us very much, that some of that money is ended up in the hands of terrorists organizations."

Lastly, the new proposal will boost the economy by creating millions of American green jobs in every state across the country.  A bill following this framework will spur innovation and provide for a renaissance of American manufacturing. 

The time for meaningful, bipartisan clean energy legislation has finally come.