Winning the Clean-Energy War

David A. Fahrenthold's Aug. 31 article, "Environmentalists Slow to Adjust in Debate" was contradicted by The Post's polling.

On Aug. 28, The Post and ABC News released a poll showing that proponents of a climate bill are winning. Americans support the proposed changes to U.S. energy policy by Congress and the Obama administration 57 percent to 29 percent. That's almost a 2-to-1 margin. Thirty-six percent think the changes will create jobs in their states, and 42 percent think there will be no difference.

That means 78 percent of Americans have not been fooled by industry lies that the bill will cost us jobs. In addition, 36 percent of Americans think the changes will have no impact on their electric bills, and 16 percent think their bills will be lower. Compare that with 41 percent who think it will raise rates, and the advocates for the changes are winning this messaging war as well.

MATT DERNOGA

Campaign Director

UMD for Clean Energy

Laurel

Clean-energy proponents have been anything but "slow to adjust." Years of work came to a head with June's passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act through the House. Now environmentalists are prepared for a fight in the Senate to pass groundbreaking energy legislation. As the article says, groups are "buying TV ads, running phone banks and holding public events," among other tactics. The success in the House relied on staying attuned to specific concerns as they arose, but the overarching message remains the same: Clean energy can mean economic prosperity, a healthier citizenry and environment, and global leadership for the United States if we seize this opportunity right now.