Green Elephant Line Media Backgrounder

Why Mary Bono Mack Made the Right Call

May 29, 2009

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) was the only Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to vote in favor of HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

Bono Mack made the right decision. Not because the bill is perfect. Far from it. The bill has a lot of moving parts, including a candy basket full of free emissions allowances for industries that rely on coal-generated electricity.

Still, climate change poses serious risks to the country. Doing nothing is not an option. Congress should not take the weak-kneed advice of GOP critics that America should bow before China in asserting global leadership on a critically important issue.

It's better to work towards improving the legislation that is in play rather than go on the attack with polarizing rhetoric designed to block action and score political points, as House GOP leaders seem to prefer. Such is not the approach of a true conservative.

Congresswoman Bono Mack is taking the climate issue seriously and putting the country's needs first. That is the prudent, conservative thing to do.

As the congresswoman stated in explaining her vote for the bill, America faces serious climate and energy security problems that are deeply intertwined. The most important step that must be taken to reduce heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions is to put a price on carbon dioxide emissions, which would steer the energy market away from carbon-rich fuels. HR 2454, for all its faults, would legislate the cap that is urgently necessary.

Diversifying America's energy choices also is important for national security. Finding climate-safe alternatives to oil for powering America's transportation fleet would help reduce the strategic dangers of oil dependence, which are spotlighted in a report issued May 18 by a panel of retired generals and admirals.

Climate stewardship and energy security are too important to play political games with. To find the right balance points between costs and environmental and energy security gains, lawmakers must consider a wide range of ideas from across the political spectrum. If House GOP leaders remain on the sidelines, they are increasing the odds of getting the outcome that they say they fear most – a costly, bureaucracy-heavy bill that reflects only liberal policy ideas. That would be irresponsible and a disservice to the country.

It's not too late for House Republican leaders to change course and work constructively to negotiate a balanced climate bill with House Democrat leaders. They need only follow the example of Congresswoman Bono Mack.