Kerry: President Obama Pushing Comprehensive Energy, Climate Legislation

Press Release

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), co-author of the American Power Act, the Senate's comprehensive energy independence and climate change legislation, released a statement following President Barack Obama's meeting today with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill:

"I think his dialogue today with Senate Republicans makes it crystal clear that President Obama wants the Senate to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year and he's doubling-down on making it happen. Twice in the last five days we've seen the President thump the bully pulpit to urge Senate action, and just yesterday David Axelrod compellingly pointed to the oil spill as added urgency for the Senate to move.

"We need his continued engagement. We've never had a moment this clearly demanding bi-partisan action. Companies and industries that have quite successfully opposed previous legislation are standing with environmentalists in support of the American Power Act. The coalition we've built -- CEO's of major companies, industry leaders, Evangelical leaders, Admirals and Generals -- tell you this isn't your grandfather's climate bill, it's a game changer for the Senate dynamic if we put our shoulders to the wheel. It can attract votes on both sides of the aisle. It's good policy and good politics both, because it creates 200,000 jobs per year and protects families and consumers, all while reducing our foreign oil dependence by 40%. We have to leverage this moment to get something comprehensive done this year."

For more information on the American Power Act, please visit kerry.senate.gov.

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