WASHINGTON (March 5, 2009) -- Following is a statement by Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, on today's announcement by environmental groups:

“We welcome this announcement, which reinforces the urgency of Congress taking strong action on global warming, including cap-and-trade legislation, this year. If we delay, it will be even harder for our country to address our collective energy and economic challenges and prevent the worst impacts from global warming. With new leadership in Washington, this is a vital moment to move ahead with legislation on the climate crisis that will reduce global warming pollution and help sustain the economic recovery.

“The collective work behind this plan demonstrates the commitment across the environmental community for action on global warming. The President, leaders in Congress, the environmental community and many others understand that we need to put a firm limit carbon emissions and to create an accompanying market to reward smart companies for real reductions that will strengthen our country and protect the planet for future generations.”