The United States House of Representatives recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) by a vote of 219 to 212 – an historic vote moving us toward a new clean energy future.

As a clean energy entrepreneur, I applaud the vote of my representative in Congress, Dave Reichert. He supported this first step toward a clean-energy economy, with the House’s first-ever vote to cap global warming pollution. Should this legislation reach the desk of President Obama, the 8th Congressional District can be a leader in the 21st century’s global economy.

I believe that ACES will move us in that direction providing $30 million in revolving loan funds for small and medium sized green manufacturing businesses and an additional $2.5 billion in energy efficiency funds for states and local governments.

This vote was a critical first step in making comprehensive climate legislation a reality in this country. This important piece of legislation, however, must clear other hurdles before becoming law. As the Senate considers this legislation, I urge Sens. Murray and Cantwell to stand firm against attempts to weaken the bill or stall our nation’s shift to a clean energy economy. I urge support for any amendments to strengthen the proposal with additional investments in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency and protection for low-income consumers.

We have an unparalleled opportunity to move forward with a clean energy plan that simultaneously addresses climate change while bolstering our economy. I thank Rep. Reichert for his strong stand on behalf of his constituents and call on the Senate to move quickly on this issue and give America a chance to unleash the clean energy that will power the 21st Century.

Andy Held, Kirkland