TPL Urges Support Of Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. 5/15/2009: The Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation organization, today urged the House Energy and Commerce Committee to approve the American Clean Energy Security Act, legislation proposed by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), which would help the nation create millions of clean energy jobs and to respond to the challenges of climate change.

“The American Clean Energy Security Act charts a critical path for our nation to focus on our nation’s energy policy needs while addressing the causes and effects of climate change,” said Alan Front, Senior Vice President of TPL. “Global warming is about more than smokestacks and tailpipes: it’s also about our forests, wetlands, and other natural systems. These irreplaceable landscapes absorb greenhouse gases; they protect the diverse plants and animals threatened or displaced by a changing climate; and they protect lives and livelihoods from the impacts of severe storms, floods, and similar threats.”

“We are especially gratified by the bill’s vitally needed funding to help both human and natural communities to adapt to the imminent and long-term effects of climate change,” Front said. “Chairmen Waxman and Markey, Representatives John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), and other key leaders deserve our deepest thanks for their outstanding commitment to protecting the towns and cities in which we live and the natural systems on which we all depend. As they advance this visionary, necessary legislation, we offer our fullest support and look forward to working with them to ensure the substantial funding needed to address these pressing needs.”

TPL, created in 1972, specializes in conservation real estate to protect land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, urban playgrounds, and wilderness. With funding from the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program, Forest Legacy program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, state and local open space funds, and other private and public investments, TPL has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres across the country. TPL depends upon the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations.