Dear friends,

For the first time in our history, meaningful climate legislation passed the House of Representatives this year and is set for passage through the Senate, and signature by the President next year. This is extraordinary progress, accomplished because you lent your voice to calling for solutions to climate change for Florida, for the nation, and for the world.

Take a moment as the holiday season approaches to reflect on the amazing progress we made this year. And consider making a year-end gift to Audubon to fuel our progress toward clean energy, a healthy environment, and green jobs next year.

Your support made it possible for Florida Audubon to be an effective part of an important national movement to change energy policy and slow the rate of greenhouse gas emissions.

This movement achieved incredible progress this year: In May 2009, the House Energy and Commerce voted out HR 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES).  In June 2009, the ACES bill passed the House by a narrow margin.  In October 2009, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted out S 1733, the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.

Every time you worked with Audubon’s Florida Climate Action Network to send a letter, make a phone call, participate in a climate event, or make a donation to our work, you helped our nation and Florida move toward climate solutions. Passing national legislation, and state energy policies in 2010, will help us achieve energy independence and create clean and green jobs for Florida. A national cap and trade system will reduce greenhouse gas pollution and establish a revenue-generating trading system that can help fund protection and restoration of Florida’s diverse wildlife and important habitats, such as the Everglades.

Florida has much to gain by attacking climate change and much to lose if we fail to act. Our low-lying state is vulnerable to sea level rise and increased destruction from storms and storm surges, erosion, and salt water intrusion of our freshwater resources. We are also the sunshine state and can attract jobs and economic expansion by building renewable energy opportunities and conserving energy and water.

Thank you for your action this year. Stay engaged with us next year. We’re making progress. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones ~ Audubon’s climate solutions team.