Pelosi Statement on the President's Speech in Copenhagen

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Copenhagen - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on President Obama's speech to United Nations Climate Conference. Speaker Pelosi is currently leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Conference.

"Today, President Obama put forward a clear framework for an agreement: mitigation, transparency and financing - a framework that would represent an historic global accord and real progress among the community of nations.

"The President delivered a firm statement of America's willingness to make commitments on policy and funding, and he correctly insisted that other nations must make commitments to ensure accountability.

"The President also reminded us of the dire consequences to the world if there is failure to find compromise and risk the devastating effects of the climate crisis.

"Crucial to where we are today is the June passage of the Waxman-Markey legislation in the House of Representatives and the billions set aside for innovation and renewable energy in the Recovery Act. The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as Waxman-Markey, supports Secretary Clinton's pledge to join with other nations in assisting the developing world, sending a strong and consistent message about the leadership America is willing to take.

"Today, the President took a crucial step and laid the foundation for the world to take action, which will create millions of clean energy jobs in America and ensure our energy security."