President Obama and Congress have shown real leadership and should be applauded for passing the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act through the House — the first ever passage of a bill committing to solve the climate crisis.

I am grateful to my Representative, Dave Reichert, for voting for this bill. Now it’s the Senate’s turn.

The science is clear: we must start reducing greenhouse emissions now, or the costs will mount in lives, on our land, and in our pocketbook.

Numerous global security threats, overstrained and failing disaster response infrastructure, and shortages of food and water are among the widely-predicted national consequences of unchecked global warming.

Polls decisively show Americans want to support clean energy solutions, because such innovations can create millions of American jobs, reduce the stranglehold of fossil fuels on our economic and national security, and address the global climate crisis head on.

A recent Zogby poll found that 71 percent of likely voters favor the ACES Act.

As the debate turns to the Senate, I urge Senators Cantwell and Murray to ensure a strong federal climate bill passes prior to the international climate negotiations in December.

A global solution to this planetary emergency requires American leadership now.

Benjamin Sibelman

Bellevue