WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 80 leading CEOs from U.S. businesses, including Exelon, Virgin America, NRG Energy, eBay and PG&E, sent a letter to President Obama and members of Congress last Thursday calling on them to move quickly to enact comprehensive climate and energy legislation that will create jobs and enhance U.S. competitiveness.

Saying that the U.S. is "falling behind" in the global clean energy race, the letter calls for forceful leadership to achieve legislation that will unleash innovation, drive economic growth, boost energy independence and decrease the country's carbon emissions. The letter comes just one week before President Obama delivers his State of the Union address on January 27th, and on the heels of a critical senate defeat for the Democrats in Massachusetts. Republican Scott P. Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley in a come-from-behind victory that seemingly puts climate change legislation at the federal level at risk.

"American businesses recognize this challenge and have already begun to respond and innovate. However, today's uncertainty surrounding energy and climate regulation is hindering the large-scale actions that American businesses are poised to make," the letter states. "We need strong policies and clear market signals that support the transition to a low-carbon economy and reward companies that innovate. It is time for the Administration and Congress to embrace this policy as the promising economic opportunity that will empower American workers to compete and American entrepreneurship to lead the way."

The letter was signed by 84 CEOs from some of the nation's largest electric power, manufacturing, clean tech, technology and consumer facing companies. To view the full text and the list of signatories please go to: www.wecanlead.org.

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