Statement of Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp on Waxman-Markey Climate Legislation

(Washington – March 31, 2009) "Chairmen Waxman and Markey are experienced legislators who have focused on exactly the right issues to quickly build consensus and allow Congress to pass a strong bill this year.

"Climate legislation to kick start the economy is exactly what the country needs right now. Thousands of U.S. companies from coast to coast are poised to pump billions of dollars into clean energy and create new jobs when Congress acts. If we move quickly, we can help the U.S. corner the market for low-carbon technologies and save billions we'd otherwise send overseas or spend on the high costs of climate change.

"Government studies show that the U.S. will have strong economic growth with a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. The impact on household utility bills will be about a dime a day, and that dime will be the hardest working dime in America. It will create jobs, reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and protect the climate.

"We applaud the Chairmen for moving forward boldly and deliberately with their proposal for comprehensive legislation, and we look forward to working with them, the congressional leadership, and the Obama administration to help refine and pass a bill this year."

###

Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.