Senator Kennedy, Dead at 77, Was Champion for Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency

categories: Clean Energy, energyefficiency, Environmental Justice, Policy & Legislation

Published August 26, 2009 @ 12:11PM PT

President Barack Obama and Senator Ted Kennedy walk on the grounds of the White House. White House Photo, Pete Souza, 4/28/09

Above: President Barack Obama and Senator Ted Kennedy walk on the grounds of the White House. White House Photo, Pete Souza, 4/28/09

Senator Edward Kennedy died late last night, at age 77, after a 15-month bout with brain cancer.

The "lion of the Senate" is justly being praised today for his decades of effort to improving health care for all Americans -- not a surprise, given that his Democratic colleagues in Congress and President Obama, his chosen torch bearer for the future of Kennedy-brand American liberal reform, are locked in a battle to overhaul America's health care system.

But Senator Kennedy was also a strong, influential advocate for the environment, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy industry reform. Just a few of his long list of accomplishments include:

Cosponsoring the first law to establish fuel economy standards over 30 years ago, and in 2007, supporting stronger fuel economy standards, which will in turn help cut the nation's greenhouse gas pollution.

Sponsoring the "Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act of 2000," to compensate men and women who, while working on national defense, were often unknowingly exposed to radiation and other toxic substances, as well as their survivors.

In 1975, pushing to end an "oil depletion allowance," which for several decades had allowed oil producers to exclude 22 percent of their enormous revenues from any taxes. Kennedy’s initiative lowered the allowance for independent producers, and ended it for the major oil companies.

Sponsoring the “America COMPETES Act of 2007,” which established an Advanced Research Projects Authority at the Department of Energy to be the focal point of federal efforts to support breakthrough research on new clean energy technologies.

Long-time support of renewable energy funding and programs, including the weatherization assistance program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps low-income families reduce their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency.

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Comments (7)

Although Senator Kennedy was on the separate aisle from Me, I have the utmost respect for Him. Unlike Kerry, He was present for almost every vote. Unlike Obama He did not simply vote "present". Like Palin He was tireless servant of His constituents, and worked hard to help the less fortunate make their way in this world. We have lost a true American Hero.

Posted by Charlie Reed on 08/26/2009 @ 01:52PM PT
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Charlie, your admiration of Palin just never ceases to amaze me. On the basis of the record, her commitment to her constituents is very much an open question.

But I agree with your sentiment of respect. It's much easier to come by for people one disagrees with when they are honest brokers, obviously working hard to better the world for so many (not just talking about it), and seeking to create dialogue and change for the better, over divisiveness and lies.

Posted by Emily Gertz on 08/29/2009 @ 09:27AM PT
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I think, You are allowing Your disagreement with Governor Palins' politics judge Her as a human being. Politics are a small part of being a human being. Although I feel Senator Kennedys' politics did much damage to Our country, I know that every thing he did, He honestly believed would help make it better. I don't think ever compromised His principles. Much more importantly, I believe He always put His family before even His country. I believe He is with His loved ones today enjoying well deserved reward.

Posted by Charlie Reed on 08/29/2009 @ 06:05PM PT
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Charlie, type "Palin blames" into Google and see for youself!

Posted by Emily Gertz on 08/30/2009 @ 01:33PM PT
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Ah, the anonymous geologist returns.

Posted by Emily Gertz on 08/30/2009 @ 01:16PM PT
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Emily, I just did the google thing, nauseating. This is is simply not the way human beings should treat each other. I hope someday We can learn to show more respect for the opposition than this. In the mean time I will pray for this nation.

Posted by Charlie Reed on 08/30/2009 @ 05:32PM PT
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Even here Kennedy was a hypocrite. When a wind farm was proposed off Martha’s vinyard, he opposed it because it would ruin his view. NIMBY. He also opposed drilling in the U.S. for more oil, including the major oil field under the Northern Plains states as well as offshore.

He said one thing, but did another. His actions speak louder than his words.

As for global warming, that is a scheme to enrich schemers like Gore at the expense of common people. The reality is that we are facing real problems from global cooling, including crop failures from frost. Starvation, here we come. We are not ready for that. And we can thank Kennedy for making it worse.

Posted by Richard Ortiz on 08/31/2009 @ 11:08AM PT
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