Seventh Generation's executive chairperson Jeffrey Hollender joined leaders from a dozen leading electric power, technology and consumer companies in the nation's capital to push the business case for strong climate and clean energy legislation before a key House vote this week on the Waxman-Markey bill.

"As business leaders and citizens, we will be judged by succeeding generations on whether we met the climate change challenge head on or instead left behind a planet to future generations that bears little resemblance to the one we now enjoy," said Mr. Hollender. "Now is the time to act."

"The Waxman-Markey bill is a huge step forward because it contains several key elements including the first national limit on greenhouse gas emissions, targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency, and a cap-and-trade program," he said. "Especially noteworthy is the bill's bipartisan support from many regions of the country, and its backing by a wide array of companies, labor organizations, and faith-based groups."

Seventh Generation joined the ranks of Austin Energy, Exelon, FPL Group, PG&E, National Grid, NRG, PSEG Energy Holdings, Aspen Skiing Co., Timberland, Symantec and Jones Lan LaSalle to publish print ads in key DC newspapers urging Congress and President Obama to lead and swiftly enact comprehensive legislation to ensure America's prosperous and competitive future.

The open letter states Seventh Generation and its fellow businesses support the legislation because certainty and clear rules of the road enable businesses to plan, build and innovate.