Yesterday, Republicans and Democrats within the house of representatives passed a newly drafted bipartisan Climate Bill (a.k.a The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) 219-212 tackling pollution, global warming and climate change. Surprisingly enough Democratic Representative Jim Matheson of Utah voted “No,” amongst the three other Republican Representatives Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz. Representative Matheson represents one of the only three Democrats who voted “No.” Representative Matheson purports that the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 requires restructuring and would negatively impact Utah.
“We’ve got to address climate change, and we’ve got to address energy independence; I hope we continue to work on those two issues. [Although] there’s a real regional income transfer that’s not fair to some regions of the country and in this case, it’s not fair to Utah.” – Representative Jim Matheson.
As most Utah residents know, Utah still utilizes several coal powered plants. Yes, the coal industry would hurt in Utah but what about the opportunity to create cleaner and more sustainable energy? As a resident in Salt Lake City, I can’t tell you how awful the inversions in the surrounding Utah valleys can truly be year round – it’s quite horrible. Granted, its certainly not just coal plants, for cars contribute to the problem; if more funds were directed toward cleaner energy, overall air and quality of life would improve. Even though the the climate bill passed in the House of Representatives, it still needs to pass through Congress. Perhaps an oversight on Matheson’s part, but bills can be restructured through the different mediums of our governmental system. Nonetheless, the bill was passed without the help of Matheson, Bishop and Chaffetz and hopefully the Senate will deliberate, put aside ideological partisan apprehension and jointly agree upon the importance of our environment.
As a website dedicated to eradicating light pollution once and for all, Starry Night Lights supports The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 bill. Light pollution affects all of us. As further evidence unveils itself regarding the impact of light pollution on creatures (including humans), inform your congressmen of the importance of light pollution. Light pollution is 100% irreversible.
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