Washington, DC - The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the
national representative for nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses, voiced its views
recently on the various climate change and energy reform proposals now before Congress.
These positions were contained in an issue brief titled – “Green Builds Business; The
Hispanic Business Perspective on Climate Change.” To read the full report, please go to:
http://www.ushcc.com/_data/n_0001/resources/live/090630%20Energy%20Reform%20Final%206-09%20(6).pdf
“It is clear that climate change cannot be seen solely as an environmental problem. It must
be understood as a global economic challenge spanning many fronts,” said David C.
Lizárraga, USHCC Chairman of the Board. “The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and
the transition to an energy-efficient economy will open new markets of opportunity for small
businesses and stimulate the economy. But any proposals need to consider the impact on
small and minority-owned businesses.”
These views were released last week as the House of Representatives took up floor
consideration of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, otherwise known as
the Waxman-Markey Bill.
Small businesses are one of the most important, but also one of the most vulnerable, sectors
of the economy. While most small businesses will not be covered under the cap-and-trade
system proposed in ACES, they will nonetheless have to adjust to higher energy, operating,
and production costs brought about by the bill. Small businesses provide the majority of
America's job growth, and therefore must be given additional protection from the negative
economic impacts of a climate change program.
“We are encouraged by efforts taken thus far, yet more needs to be done. The current
framework could be improved by including more methods to protect small businesses such
as a rebate program to insulate small businesses from fluctuating energy prices and low or no
interest loans so they can retool and make capital purchases to adapt to a new green
economy,” added Chairman Lizárraga. “The U.S. Hispanic business community looks
forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to improve on these
proposals so that we may secure America's economic and environmental future.”

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of
Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of almost 3 million Hispanic-owned
businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as
the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico,
Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.