Rep. Todd Joins Nationwide Effort Calling for Energy Action
February 4th, 2010State Rep. Patricia Todd, a Birmingham Democrat and the first openly gay legislator in Alabama, is one of more than 1,000 state legislators from across the country calling on the U.S. Senate for action on clean energy jobs legislation.
A letter signed by the legislators from states in every corner of the country was sent to Congress and President Obama last week, accordin to a press release. Lawmakers from coal states, representing urban and rural economies, from the East Coast, the West Coast, and the plains states, raised one collective voice urging swift, decisive action from the United States Senate.
“Alabama is moving forward to grow jobs and increase our energy security, but we also need the federal government to be our partner. It’s time for Congress to act to increase job growth, strengthen national security, and make America a leader again in the global economy,” Todd said. “Alabama must begin to invest in renewable energy and decrease our dependency on foreign oil. As a state representative, my priority is to secure state funding for public transportation and clean energy.”
The Coalition of Legislators for Energy Action (CLEAN) is a national group of bipartisan legislators working to pass federal clean energy jobs legislation. Lawmakers say action is necessary for the future of America and the recovery of our economy.
The letter calls on the foresight and innovative spirit of America’s top policymakers. It reads, in part:
“The United States has never backed down from a challenge on this scale, and we urge you to again place our country at the forefront of innovation and prosperity. We, the undersigned state legislators, call on you to enact comprehensive clean energy jobs and climate legislation that relies on continued close collaboration between state and federal governments. We pledge our support in pursuit of a more prosperous, more secure, and more energy independent America.”
