To the Editor:

The American Clean Energy and Security Bill, otherwise known as "œcap and trade," was narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last Friday. Its purpose is to reduce the emissions causing climate change, and shift our energy use from fossil fuels to renewable resources, like wind, solar and biofuel. There are also provisions requiring higher fuel efficiency.

The bill has been watered down significantly from its introduction to accommodate the concerns of coal-state lawmakers, and due to pressure from the coal, oil and agriculture lobbyists. Even as weak as it is, it may not pass the more "œbusiness-friendly" Senate.

If strengthened and implemented, the ACES bill can spark a green revolution desperately needed to renew America's economy and environment for the 21st century.

When someone offers you free food, you tend to eat more than if you had to pay for it, right? Likewise, ACES rules put the true cost of dirty energy use (including emissions we all pay for through poorer health and deteriorating environment) into its purchase price, so that we don't "over-indulge" in dirty energy use.

This bill will provide the price signal that will spur the market to prefer cleaner fuel, and our business community will understand that renewable fuels are where the future profits lie. New energy, infrastructure and supporting companies will grow to provide better-paying, higher-skilled jobs that help make our country more efficient and self-sufficient.

Our congressman, Charlie Wilson, voted against ACES, one of 44 out of 256 Democrats to do so. His vote is at odds with his official Web site, which states, "I will continue to promote wind, solar and geothermal sources of energy while also encouraging proven energy sources such as nuclear and natural gas. Finally, I pledge to support legislation that increases energy efficiency and rebuilds our energy infrastructure in order to reduce the demand that has driven prices to record highs."

A Senate version of ACES will be voted on soon, and then the two versions will be merged before a final vote before both bodies. These upcoming votes give all Ohioans a chance to make a difference now!

Mark McCutchan
Athens

Please support a strong economy and healthy future for America (and Ohio especially) by calling Charlie Wilson at (202) 225-5705, Sen. George Voinovich at 202-224-3353, and Sen. Sherrod Brown at 202-224-2315, and tell them to vote YES on ACES, or you'll vote NO to their re-election.