We've all been there: You're at a party, and it starts to get a little late. Suddenly, someone stumbles into the room ranting and raving. Everyone was having fun, but now the music stops.

Well, that's what we're seeing today with Congressman Barton's so-called energy plan. This "alternative" proposal is a distraction from the hard work and effort that Chairmen Waxman and Markey have put into the comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation (the American Clean Energy and Security Act) that is now moving ahead in the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Yesterday, President Obama praised Waxman's leadership and the "extraordinary progress" in moving ahead with a plan that will provide clean energy, create jobs and cut carbon pollution. NRDC's president, Frances Beinecke, also recognized the effort it took to bring together diverse voices and find a solid approach to energy and climate that will get America moving again.

According to most reports, this legsliation is now on track to be passed through the Committee by Memorial Day and will taken up by the House soon after.

As I said in a press release earlier today:

"The Barton plan reflects old, worn-out thinking that will do nothing to cut the pollution that causes global warming or reduce our dangerous dependence on oil. For months, Chairmen Waxman and Markey have conducted an open dialogue, giving members from Virginia to Ohio a chance to weigh-in on the current legislation. It is this plan, not the Barton alternative, that will create jobs and protect the planet."

The Barton plan reflects the status quo thinking that got America into this mess. But we need real solutions to make America a leader for the 21st century. We need true leadership for America, not more party crashers.