Climate Bill Update – Hurry Up and Wait
Considering the size and scope of the legislation, it should come as no real surprise that the Boxer-Kerry Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act is not rushing through the Senate. The Bill had been stuck in the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee mark-up process, where the debate was heated and followed divisions along party lines. Today the bill cleared the committee 11-1, with Republican members of the committee boycotting the vote, and now awaits consideration by the full Senate. Republicans have boycotted much of the committee process, contending they need more information on costs of the legislation. Committee Chair Sen. Barbara Boxer and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid may decide to obtain an additional economic analysis of the Senate bill. Meanwhile, the UN Climate Change Conference is slated to begin in Copenhagen on Dec. 7. Countries are looking to major economic powers like the US to take strong action on climate change.
Democrats and Republicans are working towards bipartisan compromises, given that the bill will need to be considered by the full Senate and eventually reconciled with the House of Representatives bill that passed narrowly. This means that Democrats will try maintaining enforceable emissions reductions of about 20% by 2020, as in the Senate bill, and 80% by 2050.
With key components such as enforceable emissions reductions and reaching targets through energy efficiency, clean energy, carbon offsets and other accepted means, the bill is well positioned to verifiably reduce emissions. Stay attuned to news on our blog and newsletter, and be sure to express your support to your Senators for action on climate change and passage of climate legislation by Congress.
Image courtesy of the Washington Post.
Go back: November 5, 2009
