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October 21, 2007
A Good Bill On Climate Change
Climate change continues to grow in the American public's consciousness as a pressing issue of great concern. Rising temperatures, which have fueled stronger tropical storms and hurricanes, as well as more frequent and intense forest fires, have gotten folks' attention. Throw in rising gas prices and utility costs hitting people in the pocketbook, and our current energy situation leaves a lot to be desired. A new CNN poll tracks the change in American attitudes on the subject.
Of course, much coverage -- by the news media, supporters and detractors -- has occurred surrounding Al Gore's recent winning of the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to raise awareness of the climate change issue.
A very important, but far less covered development on the subject occurred late last week. Two U.S. Senators -- Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) and John Warner (R-Virginia) -- introduced a new bill, America's Climate Security Act, to set new federal standards to reduce U.S. carbon emissions.
The legislation would begin mandating emission reductions immediately, and arrive at levels 65% below 1990 by the year 2050. The bill would utilize a market-based "cap and trade" system to allow some flexibility for industry, but would require the benchmarks be met. The bill is similar to one previously introduced by Lieberman and John McCain (R-Arizona), but with some modifications.
Reaction from the left and right ends of the political specturm has been negative -- for many on the left, legislation does too little, and is too burdensome to business for some on the right. In our view, that's probably why this bill actually has a chance of passing, and should be supported. Will it go far enough in addressing the climate change issue? Probably not. Will it cause some heartburn for industry? Probably. But this bill represents real, concrete action from the federal government. We must begin moving on this issue now. Drastic, immediate change is simply not economically feasible, and only voluntary cooperation won't get it done.
Lieberman, formerly a Democratic Senator, has been persona non grata with many progressives for his muscular support of the Bush Administration's general foreign policy approach, and the Iraq War in particular. We have a number of differences with Mr. Lieberman's policy positions in recent years, but on issues like the environment he remains progressive.
For his part, John Warner has drawn the ire of many conservatives for his blunt criticism of the Iraq debacle and other Team Bush failures. But this long-serving statesman and military veteran calls them as he sees them, and he's doing so with this climate change bill. One can't help but think that as Warner prepares to retire and exit the Senate after the 2008 election, he is concerned about doing something concrete to leave this planet a better place for future generations.
The Lieberman-Warner climate change bill is a sensible first step to move the needle in the right direction. We hope it passes, and that President Bush will sign it.
Posted by houtopia at October 21, 2007 07:49 PM