“We’re certainly voicing our message that it’s very urgent to deal with climate change,” NRDC’s David Doniger said.
USCAP also put out a statement urging action on climate.
The group counts environmental organizations and businesses such as the Environmental Defense Fund, PepsiCo, Alcoa and Exelon Corp. as members.
“The U.S. faces a critical moment that will determine whether we will be able to unleash billions in energy investments or remain mired in the economic status quo,” USCAP said in a statement. “Americans need and deserve a comprehensive climate and energy policy that will reinvigorate our economy, create American jobs, unleash American innovation, secure our energy independence, and protect our environment.”
Duke Energy, a USCAP member, also voiced its frustration over the delay.
“We’re disappointed things didn’t come out today,” Duke spokesman Tom Williams said. “There was a lot of compromise going on, on all sides, which is a good thing.”
The energy company is poised to make huge investments in alternative energy like wind and solar and nuclear, according to Williams.
“The time has never been better to deploy new plants,” Williams said. “We’re looking at shutting down all unscrubbed coal plants over the next decade or so. That will accelerate with the climate bill.”
In addition to holding closed-door meetings, Kerry is scheduled to meet this morning with U.S. military veterans from Operation Free, a group that is lobbying for more renewable and domestic energy production with a national security argument. The group is delivering to Kerry’s office a large digital counter that will tally Iranian oil revenues to make its point on what it views as the cost of delaying climate legislation.
Correction: April 27, 2010
The article incorrectly stated that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was expected to be at the rollout of the climate change bill.
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
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