Oxfam welcomes climate bill as a step toward addressing needs of the hardest hit

WASHINGTON, DC – International development organization Oxfam America today made the following statement on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act introduced by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Raymond C. Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America, made the following statement: 

 "Oxfam America welcomes today's introduction of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act by Senators Kerry and Boxer. It marks a critical step forward in addressing the climate crisis facing the most vulnerable communities around the world. 

 “The bill does not yet address the allocation of emission allowances.  We look forward to working with Senators Kerry and Boxer to ensure that this bill devotes the substantial resources needed to help hard-hit communities adapt to the serious consequences of climate change already underway. Doing so is essential to protecting security and achieving a global solution to climate change.  

 “As we head toward the international negotiations in Copenhagen where world leaders will hammer out a global agreement this December, the U.S. Senate must demonstrate global leadership by acting to pass a strong climate bill."