Environmental Defense Offers Mixed Review Of House Democrats' Energy Principles

Environmental Defense today offered a mixed review for the introduction of the House Democrats’ statement of proposed U.S. energy principles.

“These principles offer some good measures, such as protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and closing the SUV loophole. These are important steps forward,” said Environmental Defense legislative director, Elizabeth Thompson.

But the principles fall well short of providing any real vision for smart environmental, public health or climate change policy. “The nation needs leadership and aggressive policies pointed to a significantly cleaner, more efficient future, and we haven’t gotten it yet,” said Thompson.

“For example, what is needed is a program to cut emissions, including carbon dioxide, from power plants. Only last week, Entergy, an electric utility, announced it would cap its greenhouse gas emissions — showing that energy companies can protect the environment and their bottom line. Polices from Washington should recognize the same thing,” said Thompson.