Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act:

“The stakes are very high for Florida when it comes to our clean energy future and climate change. The American Clean Energy and Security Act will help rebuild Florida’s economy with clean energy jobs and tackle climate change that poses serious risks to Florida families and businesses. Florida is the only state in the continental United States that is surrounded on three sides by water. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that if we do not take action to address carbon pollution, it is possible that much of Florida will no longer be habitable in the future. Scientists advise that the seas could rise and the coasts could move inland if carbon pollution is not addressed. Florida has already seen increasing droughts and saltwater intrusion of our aquifers. What happens if we do not act? Property insurance rates are already out of sight. What if scientists are right that warmer waters intensify hurricanes? Can we afford to address an impacted water supply that leaves our citizens with little to drink, and our citrus crops with even less? We cannot afford not to take action.

“America’s energy policy is outdated. America relies too much on foreign oil, which has serious economic and strategic risks. America has not invested adequately in renewable energy or in cost-saving technologies. Meanwhile, carbon pollution is changing our climate and economy.

“The American Clean Energy and Security Act comes at a critical time in our nation’s history and on the heels of the historic Recovery Act. Together the Clean Energy Act and the Recovery Act will get the country back on track and create jobs. Grappling with this economic downturn, we have a golden opportunity to spur innovation at Florida’s colleges and universities and build upon a new economic foundation for long-term economic recovery. We will create clean energy jobs that pay well and cannot be outsourced. Energy efficiency will lower our air conditioning bills.

“I worked hard as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure Florida’s priorities are included in this legislation. I successfully fought to expand the use of solar power in Florida and other states. States will clearly now be allowed to create incentives to promote renewable power, such as solar and wind energy.

“The American Clean Energy and Security Act will have a positive impact on generations to come as a new sector of jobs is created and we move toward a clean energy economy.”