The House vote on H.R.2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, needed 216 votes to pass. It received 219. The Bill, a momentous step toward our energy future, has enough things contained within to alienate a number of groups, most notably Green Peace and Friends of the Earth. However, the feeling among many of us is we have to start somewhere and doing nothing is not an alternative.

Lots of ‘no’ votes from Florida–all Republicans. Below is a list of those who voted ‘yes.’ Florida could have used Alcee Hastings vote, not sure why he was not present for the vote. Apparently, Rep. Allen Boyd had to be coaxed into voting for the bill. I remember his mantra at last year’s energy forum in Leon County: we must be free from our dependendance on foreign oil!

Since Florida voted straight party lines, it’s difficult to tell who may support the bill’s intent, but is busily guarding his/her political career. The Senate begins consideration of its version of the bill min September.

F. Allen Boyd    D    FL-2
Corrine Brown    D    FL-3
Kathy Castor    D    FL-11
Alan Grayson    D    FL-8
Ron Klein    D    FL-22
Suzanne Kosmas    D    FL-24
Kendrick Meek    D    FL-17
Debbie Wasserman Schultz    D    FL-20
Robert Wexler    D    FL-19