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On Earth Day, Klobuchar Says Challenge of Climate Change Presents Enormous Opportunities

Introduces legislation to help families and small businesses "go green"

April 22, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Today, to commemorate Earth Day, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar joined the National Wildlife Federation to speak out about the importance of stopping the affects of climate change, attended a Senate hearing on how to improve the energy efficiency of government buildings and introduced bi-partisan legislation to help families and small businesses implement money-saving alternative energy technologies in their homes and places of business.

“Earth Day is a reminder that we are stewards of the world and it is our responsibility to protect our natural resources for future generations,” said Klobuchar.  “The challenge of climate change presents enormous opportunities – opportunities to create new jobs, to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to protect our fish, wildlife and natural resources.”

Speaking at a press conference to raise awareness of the affects climate change is having on America’s outdoor sportsmen.  Klobuchar was joined at the press conference by representatives from the National Wildlife Federation.

“Make no mistake, climate change is having an impact on our environment – and on our sportsmen,” said Klobuchar.  “As I’ve traveled across Minnesota, I’ve had hunters and fishermen approach me concerned about what’s happening.  We need to protect the wonderful outdoors and natural resources we enjoy – and key to that is tackling the issue of climate change.”

At a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Klobuchar discussed on-going efforts to improve energy efficiency in federal buildings.  Klobuchar spoke about the importance of incorporating energy efficiency measures in federal buildings and cited Minnesota’s Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, which the General Services Administration is converting to a high-performance green building.

“Conservation, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and developing and advancing innovative technologies can help the United States compete, and move our economy forward in the 21st century,” said Klobuchar.

Senator Klobuchar also announced today that she has introduced bi-partisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to assist people who want to invest in energy conservation and alternative energy technologies and help set the nation on a path toward energy independence by providing additional loan authority to support current federal programs that help families and small businesses finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.

“We need to make it easier for families and small businesses to harness new technology to improve energy efficiency and put our country on a path to energy independence, while leaving more money in consumers’ pockets,” said Senator Klobuchar.  “While we need a comprehensive, long-term energy policy, these programs will help families and small businesses make that critical first step of investing in homegrown energy.”


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