Labor Leaders Back ‘Cap and Trade’ Plan to Cut Carbon Emissions

Labor Leaders Back ‘Cap and Trade’ Plan to Cut Carbon Emissions

by Mike Hall, Jul 11, 2007

New bipartisan legislation that could significantly cut U.S. greenhouse gases represents “the best approach to address the problem of global climate change,” says AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard L. Trumka.

The Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007 was introduced today by Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Trumka says the bill will

achieve positive environmental and energy outcomes while it helps retain and create U.S. jobs and helps ensure that the U.S. economy remains competitive….America needs an energy policy for the 21st century that will result in a cleaner planet, greater energy efficiency and the revitalization of our manufacturing base….The [bill]…represents a major step forward in meeting these goals.

United Steelworkers (USW) President Leo W. Gerard, who backs the bill, says:

We believe the time to act on legislation curbing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions is now. The USW firmly believes that a clean and healthy environment is a fundamental human right and the industries that employ our members have a responsibility to ensure this for our members and their communities.