Atlanta,
GA— At an event in Atlanta
today, Environment Georgia congratulated Rep. John Lewis (GA-5th) and Rep.
Elect Hank Johnson (GA-4th) for supporting the New Energy Future platform to
move America beyond fossil fuels and toward a cleaner energy future.
“There is no
question that with American innovation we can solve our energy problems, but we
need leadership from Congress to make it happen,” said Jennette Gayer and
Advocate with Environment Georgia. “By endorsing the New Energy Future
platform, Rep. Lewis and Rep. Elect Johnson have shown their support for moving
America in a new direction that puts our national security, our environment,
the global climate and our children’s futures above Big Oil and other powerful
interests,” continued Gayer.
Environment Georgia was
joined by more than 320 organizations across the country in calling on all
Congressional candidates in the 2006 elections to deliver on the promise of a
New Energy Future by committing to:
•
Reduce
U.S.
dependence on oil by saving one-third of the oil we use today by 2025;
•
Harness
clean, renewable, homegrown energy sources for at least one quarter of all
energy needs by 2025;
•
Save
energy with high performance homes, buildings and appliances so that by 2025 we
use 10 percent less energy than we do today; and
•
Invest
in a New Energy Future by tripling research and development funding for the
energy-saving and renewable technologies we need to achieve these goals.
“America
is a beautiful land, and its natural resources are one of our most precious
gifts,“ said Rep. Lewis. “This little planet we are blessed to occupy is
not ours to waste. It is not ours to hoard. It is our obligation,
it is our duty to find ways to leave this Earth a little cleaner and a little
greener than we found it. That is the least we can do to secure the
future for our children and our children’s children. That is why the goals of
Environment Georgia must become part of the national dialogue. We have to
find solutions to our energy dependence and use the intelligence of scientific
discovery to find alternatives that sustain human life and support our natural
existence.”
The event
was held at the Southface model home which is proof positive that the goals
behind a New Energy Future are achievable today. Dennis Creech, Southface’s
Executive Director explained "Our Eco Office and Environmental Home show
practical ways to save energy, water and natural resources. The over 100 energy and environmental
technologies in our building are cost effective, readily available and proven
performers."
“I support the
goals of the New Energy Future because it is time for Congress to get serious
about solving out energy problems. Here in Georgia we have the opportunity to
be leaders in clean energy development with our vast resources for renewables,
especially biofuels,” said Rep. Elect Hank Johnson.
Environment Georgia, joined by Rep. Lewis and Rep. Elect
Johnson, will pursue policies to reduce America’s dependence on oil,
increase our use of clean renewable energy, and cut energy use. The first
opportunity for Congress to move toward a New Energy Future will come within
the first 100 hours as Congressional leadership has made energy a top priority
for the upcoming Congress and has proposed repealing handouts to the oil
industry in order to invest in clean energy alternatives and save consumers
money.
“We hope
Congress will follow the leadership of Rep. Lewis and Rep. Elect Johnson in
supporting a new direction for America’s
energy future. By acting within the first 100 hours, Congress can send a clear
message that they are serious about putting American innovation to work to
solve our energy problems,” said Gayer.
Below: Environment Georgia Advocate Jennette Gayer congratulates Rep. Elect Hank Johnson on his pledge to support a new energy future.
