| For some in Congress, this was a vote which carried serious political risk. Representatives from states with powerful coal interests will face stronger opposition in their reelection bids in 2010, and newly elected Representatives who won by small margins in November will face ammunition from their opponents over this contentious legislation, which passed by a mere seven votes. Dan Maffei is among those who sacrificed political expediency for the good of the country's economy and the Earth's environmental health by voting YES.
Some members of Congress, however, decided to put political expediency the pocketbooks of polluters ahead of our environmental health, better jobs, and breaking our dangerous addiction to foreign oil with a NO vote. Unfortunately, Eric Massa belongs to this group, and it almost worked, too -- this historic legislation passed by a mere seven votes.
With the passage of The American Clean Energy and Security Act, The House of Representatives has made a dramatic breakthrough for America's future by choosing to create jobs, move to clean energy, and reduce global warming pollution. This legislation, which was almost unimaginable six months ago, will help set our country in a new direction by shifting to a clean energy economy and reducing the carbon pollution that causes global warming.
Both Congressmen are holding events this weekend. If you're in the area of either, please come and tell Rep. Massa he got it wrong, and commend Rep. Maffei for getting it right, and show your support for this historic legislation as it moves to the Senate, where it needs to be strengthened, so we can reach the full potential of our clean energy future and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Here's the information on the events (links go to Facebook events where you can RSVP):
REP. MAFFEI'S TOWN HALL
Date: Monday, July 6, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Lincoln Middle School
Street: 1613 James Street
City/Town: Syracuse, NY
REP. MASSA'S TOWN HALLS
Date: Friday, July 3, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Old Depo
Street: 12 Water Street
City/Town: Hammondsport, NY
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Hornell Town Hall
Street: 82 Main St
City/Town: North Hornell, NY
Date: Monday, July 6, 2009
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Southport Town Hall
Street: 1139 Pennsylvania Avenue
City/Town: Elmira, NY
Date: Monday, July 6, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Catlan Town Hall
Street: 1448 Chambers Road
City/Town: Beaver Dams, NY |
