Newswise — More than 130 national, state and local organizations have called on Congress to pass strong climate and energy legislation this year and make significant investments in education and training to prepare all Americans for the new clean energy economy to keep our nation competitive in the 21st century.

Today the National Wildlife Federation and partners delivered a letter to Congress signed by groups representing community colleges, universities, and education consortiums. College presidents and leaders in education from across the nation met with congressional offices today to highlight the urgency of passing a plan that puts a cap on global warming pollution and invests in education for the clean energy economy.

“Now is the time to pass climate legislation that invests in new clean energy technology and solutions. At the same time we must invest in our nation’s education and training infrastructure—at every level—to ensure Americans are prepared for the new jobs that will be created by the climate bill. This is what the college presidents are in Washington to support today,” said Kevin Coyle, Vice President for Education and Training at the National Wildlife Federation.

“To ensure America’s competitiveness in a global economy, we must prepare the next generation through curricula, training and programming that incorporates clean energy and sustainability,” Coyle added.

“The clean energy economy is our future, and further investment through the climate bill is essential. Every profession and sector will be affected by this green transformation. America’s community colleges can be a vital resource to prepare the workforce of tomorrow,” said George R. Boggs, President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s almost 1,200 community colleges.

“A broad base of citizens and leaders including architects and carpenters, engineers and steelworkers, scientists and solar panel installers, entrepreneurs and small business owners—everyday Americans—will all be needed in order for us to successfully make the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Jim Elder, Director of the Campaign for Environmental Literacy.

The historic climate and energy legislation currently being considered by Congress will propel our nation to a clean energy economy and, in the process, revitalize our struggling economy, end our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Leaders in Washington, D.C. this week include:• Arizona: Lyvier Conss, Executive Director, Community College National Center for Community Engagement• Arkansas: Becky Paneitz, President, NorthWest Arkansas Community College• Arkansas: Jeff Olson, President, North Arkansas College• Maine: David Hales, President, College of the Atlantic• Massachusetts: Kathleen Schatzberg, President, Cape Cod Community College• Michigan: Gary Wheeler, President, Glen Oaks Community College• Michigan: Jean Goodnow, President, Delta College• New Mexico: Sheila Ortego, President, Santa Fe Community College• North Carolina: Rusty Stephens, President, Wilson Community College• Ohio: Jerry Hutton, Dean, Hocking College Energy Institute• Oregon: Frank Toda, President, Columbia Gorge Community College

National Wildlife Federation is America’s conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. Visit www.nwf.org for more information.