Oil disaster should provide momentum

Global climate change is one of the biggest threats to our wildlife and natural resources, and yesterday Senators Kerry and Lieberman jumpstarted a legislative effort to address this problem that had been stalled for much too long. But in order to drive the country forward into a clean-energy future, legislation must wean us from fossil fuels not someday, but now.

We’ve done too much waiting as it is. The Gulf oil disaster has made it more apparent than ever that this country needs to move away from dirty fossil fuels like coal and oil as quickly as possible. But this bill actually encourages states to allow drilling off of their coastline, by providing financial incentives. This provision must be removed from the bill.

Instead of more drilling, we should be rapidly expanding our investments in clean renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Renewable power from large-scale solar and wind farms can help to speed up the transition to a clean-energy future, in a safe, responsible way. By making sure that renewable development is done right, in the places that it makes the most sense, we can move beyond the risky, dirty and dangerous fuels of the past.

Our wildlife and natural resources are feeling a sense of urgency as well, already experiencing the impacts of climate change across the country. Sens. Kerry and Lieberman took a first step to address not only the causes of climate change but also the effects already being seen on the ground, but the provisions in their bill lack adequate funding. We need to see sufficient, dedicated funding for wildlife and natural resource adaptation that will be available immediately, not in 9 years as would be the case under the bill. For many species, delayed adaptation assistance will mean help comes too late. We need to prepare for these changes now, rather than act once they’ve taken place.

The need to advance comprehensive climate and energy legislation is more pressing than ever, but a bill that promotes offshore drilling is not the answer to achieving American energy security and reducing global warming pollution.

Let the Gulf oil disaster be the impetus that propels us beyond our addiction to oil and into a clean energy tomorrow. We can’t afford to lose momentum again.

This post originally appeared on National Journal’s Expert Blog.