Following is a statement from Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“Congressional leaders are building on the growing momentum for a new clean energy future for America. This draft takes bold steps forward to create a clean energy economy, with millions of jobs that will repower our country and protect our planet. Congressional leaders understand that now is the time to reduce global warming pollution, increase our national security, and move away from our dangerous addiction to oil.

“Firm limits on global warming pollution will drive investment to recharge our economy today and enhance our economic stability tomorrow. This discussion draft recognizes that we must act quickly to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and jump-start our economy with clean jobs.

“Action this year to pass effective climate legislation will stimulate investments here at home and help the United States to regain its leadership in the international community as it works to secure a strong global climate agreement.

“Following the bold vision of President Obama, Chairmen Waxman and Markey are setting the stage for the strong action on energy and climate we need to move America in new direction.”

NRDC experts will be blogging about this discussion draft at: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/energyandclimate.php