A fresh start, but only a beginning

Global warming cap, green power among next steps

President Obama has begun to chart a new course on energy and the environment. Yet, as he would readily acknowledge, the toughest obstacles lie ahead.

In January, members of Environment Texas’ federal staff, Margie Alt, Anna Aurilio and Ivan Frishberg, applauded the president in the East Room of the White House as he directed his administration to take steps that will help states, including Texas, put more hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars on our roads.

In February, our federal staff were also in attendance as the president signed the economic recovery bill, which included an $80 billion down payment on clean energy that will create 1.5 million green jobs nation wide, including thousands in Texas.

“We’re thrilled the president has acted so boldly and swiftly,” said Luke Metzger, Environment Texas director. “Yet there’s a mountain of work left to do, and he’s going to need all the help he can get.”

Facing special interest opposition

Energy companies have proposed to build  new coal-fired power plants across the United States. In Texas, at least 11 new coal-fired power plants have been proposed or are under construction, joining 19 existing coal power plants. Environment Texas is urging alternative plans that would expand energy efficiency, and wind and solar power.

The president has set a goal of 25 percent renewable electricity by 2025 and has proposed a cap on carbon pollution; we support both goals as keys to unleashing the power of clean energy to transform our economy. Despite the pro-environment majority in Congress, approval of either measure isn’t assured. In the Senate, special interests and the president’s adversaries need only 41 votes to halt progress.

“That’s why we’re helping to organize support for clean energy,” said Metzger. “We can’t repair overnight the damage done over eight years, but we’re determined to push hard, move quickly and restore real protections to our air, water and land.”

We’re also working for energy-efficient building codes, increased investment in solar power, more funding for our state parks and greater protections for our coasts.