Bipartisan bill for affordability

Citizens' Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan grassroots organization with an excellent reputation for working with both parties. We got this reputation by listening and building trusted relationships. Last July, around 800 volunteers traveled to Washington, D.C., to encourage Congress to do something about climate pollution. With volunteers from every state, we met with over 70% of the House offices and 90% of the Senate offices, and we again pushed permitting reform to speed up the connection of renewable energy — the cheapest sources of energy — to the grid.

It takes a long time to get something done in Congress, especially a significant bipartisan bill to address air pollution and energy costs. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is just that bill and was introduced in late September; it's co-sponsored by two Democrats and two Republicans with support from the administration. Constituents on both sides of course want lower energy prices.

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has a long history of trying to address climate change. Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth has worked hard to reduce pollution and help the military adjust to climate impacts. I ask them to support this bill when the Senate reconvenes.

A bipartisan bill is by its nature a compromise, but now is not the time to wait for a “better” bill. Air pollution is not waiting. Energy prices are not waiting. It took at least two years to get this bill introduced, and the election will not change the need for 60 votes in the Senate.

Let your senators know you want lower energy prices and cleaner air.

Mark Ailes, Lombard