On Friday, Congress took a historic step toward a clean energy economy by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

While the dramatic shift we need in our energy policy and the dire scientific predictions regarding global warming demand that we do much more, the first step is always the hardest, and Congress should be applauded for taking it.

I want to especially thank Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter for voting to pass the landmark legislation.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate. I urge Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Jud Gregg to strengthen and pass the bill to deliver on the promise that clean energy holds to recharge our economy, put millions of Americans back to work and protect future generations from global warming.

MARGARET GARASCIA

Concord

(The writer is a field organizer for Environment New Hampshire.)