To the Editor:

I want to offer a public thank you to Congressman Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville, for voting “Yes” on the “American Clean Energy and Security Act” last week. Thanks for your support of the most significant legislation ever passed by Congress to deal with our country’s energy and environmental future.

This is the first-ever effort to cut the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, the heat-trapping gasses scientists have linked to climate change around the world. The House legislation puts a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and calls for a 17 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2020.

In addition, this legislation will help break our dependence on foreign oil, promote new clean-energy technology, and create millions of new clean-energy jobs.

On behalf of your kids and mine — thanks for your commitment to our environment, our economy, and our future.

Chuck Dickson

Waynesville