Energy and climate bill needs to be addressed

In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for “a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America.”

What's clear to the president and world leaders across the globe must become clear to Congress: Our climate and energy needs are interdependent, and failing to address both is reckless.

Energy and climate legislation must be connected and comprehensive to create the opportunity to build a new clean energy economy that secures our energy supplies, fosters innovation and creates the new jobs we so desperately need.

We are at the threshold of a new opportunity, promising new industries, new jobs and a secure energy future for our country.

Now is the time for leadership. Our leaders should heed the countless voices here in our state and work together on meaningful and comprehensive clean energy policies.

Van Fleener

Cedar Rapids