Last week the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, marking the halfway point in its journey towards being passed as law. The bill aims to create a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions, boost research and development into alternative fuels, and require utilities to support green energy sources. But opinions on the bill are mixed; some say it’s a giant step forwards, while others argue that it doesn’t go far enough. Here’s what a variety of influential websites and groups have to say:

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Director of U.S. Climate Policy Lou Leonard:

“I applaud this important step, but more work is needed. Passing a strong domestic climate change bill is critical to the success of international negotiations on the new global climate agreement. Only with a global partnership can we solve this inherently global problem. Investments in international climate cooperation will also open up markets for American companies for clean technologies and help communities build resilience to climate change impacts.”

Earth2Tech reporter Josie Garthwaite:

“Last night’s vote represents a victory for the two authors and other Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats who have been working to build a coalition with more conservative members of their party since a discussion draft of the bill was introduced in late March, with heightened intensity in the last week.”

Greenpeace USA executive director Phil Radford:

“Despite the best efforts of Chairman Waxman, this bill has been seriously undermined by the lobbying of industries more concerned with profits than the plight of our planet. While science clearly tells us that only dramatic action can prevent global warming and its catastrophic impacts, this bill has fallen prey to political infighting and industry pressure. We cannot support this bill in its current state.”

More commentary, after the jump.