EDF Statement on Today's White House Energy and Climate Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Sharyn Stein, 202-572-3396, sstein@edf.org
Tony Kreindler, 202-445-8108, tkreindler@edf.org

“Today’s White House meeting begins the final push toward passage of strong clean energy and climate legislation. Passing a bill that finally deals with our oil addiction will require strong presidential leadership – and that’s just what we saw today. Every president since Richard Nixon has called for energy independence; now it looks like we have one who is willing to roll up his sleeves to get it done. The President’s call today for clean energy legislation with limits on carbon pollution was a clear sign that he wants a strong bill.

“Transitioning America to clean energy won’t be easy – Big Oil and their allies have a lot of money and a lot of power – but we believe the situation is now urgent enough that Washington has no choice but to act. With millions of gallons of crude spilled in the Gulf, and a billion dollars a day going overseas for imported oil, the moment for real action has arrived. We believe that with continued active involvement by the President himself, and Senators from both parties engaged in serious talks about what’s best for the country, we can pass a strong clean energy and climate bill in the weeks ahead.”

— Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund