Dear President Obama,

Passing strong, comprehensive climate legislation remains key to putting Americans back to work, breaking our dependence on oil, and protecting our health and environment. The House of Representatives recently took an historic first step by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Now we need the Senate to strengthen and pass the House bill.

I am writing to urge you to make passing a strong, science-based climate and energy bill a top priority for your administration and the country this fall.

To maximize the potential health, economic, and climate benefits, this legislation should:

* Reduce U.S. global warming pollution by 35 percent below current levels by 2020 and at least 80 percent by 2050.
* Require utilities to generate at least 25 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources - such as the wind and sun - by 2025.
* Invest more money in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs that will save consumers money.
* Preserve the Environmental Protection Agency's existing authority to regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act.
* Ensure policies can be rapidly adjusted in response to emerging climate science.

We need the Obama administration to actively urge lawmakers to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year.

Sincerely,

Global warming is one of the most serious challenges facing us today. To protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations, we must reduce our emissions of global warming pollution by using the technology, know-how, and practical solutions already at our disposal.

We can curb climate change, break our dependence on oil, and put Americans back to work--but we need all of our lawmakers on board to do it. In late June, the House of Representatives took an historic vote to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation.

Now we need the Senate to strengthen and pass the House bill. Please urge President Obama to play an active role in ensuring that Congress passes a strong, comprehensive climate and energy policy this fall.