Before the global economic crisis energy prices for most people were steadily increasing due to the shrinking supply and an increase in demand for fossil fuels. Electric bills in coal dependent states were skyrocketing and gas-station attendants were running out of number signs to display the record-breaking prices. Among this dire economic situation, the least hit communities were those powered by clean, renewable energy and those driving fuel efficient cars. The economic crisis put a temporary halt to the increase in prices, but as it lifts back up from the torrid state it’s in, we need a plan to move ourselves away from fossil fuels altogether and drastically reduce our overall energy use.

Fortunately President Obama’s budget lays the groundwork to do just that.

Obama’s budget lays the groundwork for creating a clean, just and prosperous global economy through investments in clean energy deployment, a cap and trade program which makes polluters pay for their unwillingness to clean up their act, and targeted initiatives to help reduce energy bills for low-income communities.