DeLauro Marks Earth Day with Renewed Focus on Energy Reform

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) issued the following statement marking the 39th anniversary of Earth Day.

"Every year Earth Day offers us an opportunity to measure the progress we have made to protect our planet, as well as build awareness and support for further action. By embracing this challenge, we can create great opportunity.

"And this Earth Day, I am particularly encouraged by the actions already underway to tackle energy reform and climate change – an issue that has been ignored for too long. We are making the decisions critical to moving the country in a new direction, create green jobs and build a clean energy economy.

"President Obama has made America's energy independence and energy security a top priority. The budget Congress passed this spring embraces those goals – building on significant funding and tax incentives included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, by increasing our investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

"Now, Congress is moving quickly on comprehensive clean energy legislation to create new energy jobs and cut carbon emissions 83 percent by 2050. And just last week, the EPA found that carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare.

"But as we all know, legislation is not the only answer. We also need to continue educating our communities about the dangers of global warming and the steps each of us can take to reverse its impact.

"And we can promote and improve the use of truly efficient products – from full fleets of cars to mass transit; from new buildings to the way we light them. Increasing energy efficiency nationwide pays dividends. For every dollar we invest in energy efficiency, consumers save 4 dollars.

"From rising energy prices to rising temperatures to the dangerous actions of hostile regimes abroad – one thing is clear: if we do not take action, young people today, not to mention their children, and their grandchildren, will face dire consequences. The longer we wait, the higher the costs. That is why this Congress will work with President Obama to act now to create a cleaner, greener future."