Ecotrust in the News
San Diego Union-Tribune
May 22, 2009
by Kristen Sheeran and Mindy Lubber
Toward a new U.S. energy policy
Nothing should have quieted critics of the proposed climate and energy bill in Congress more than the recent news that Ford Motor Co. is spending half a billion dollars to convert a Michigan factory that made SUVs to one that will produce electric cars far into the future.
The announcement demonstrates how moving to a new, low-carbon society will be good for business, create more jobs, spur the kind of innovation that made American industry great, and – if we do it right – put this country back in world leadership for clean technology and commerce.
Congress is now at a critical juncture in its consideration of landmark legislation proposed by Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, and Edward Markey, D-Mass. The bill would accelerate our nation's essential shift to greater energy efficiency and new renewable energy sources, and start phasing out our dependence on foreign oil and dirty coal.
Congress has wavered at this juncture before. It has succumbed to the false arguments that this transition would cost too much and burden business. Our present economic morass and the growing consequences of global warming should convince us that decisions made for short-term profit eventually are ruinous. Instead, we need foresight and a willingness to prepare for the future.
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