Senators Send Strong Signal to Copenhagen

A trio of Senate leaders today (10 December 2009) outlined the framework of a bi-partisan climate change bill that could pass the chamber early next year. The announcement is expected to bolster the climate talks underway in Copenhagen, where US legislation is universally regarded as a critical element of any global agreement.

The Senate leaders, Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have been working for weeks to craft bi-partisan legislation that could garner the 60 votes needed for passage. "Support is building to simultaneously create jobs, protect our national security interests, and improve our environment," they said in a letter to the President. 

World Wildlife Fund issued the following statement from Lou Leonard, WWF’s Director of US Climate Policy:

“We applaud Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman for their leadership on this issue.  Passage of a strong climate and energy bill will propel the US into a new clean energy economy and help ensure we avoid the most dangerous and costly impacts of climate change.

“US legislation is also critical to the efforts here in Copenhagen to enlist the countries of the world in a global partnership to fight dangerous climate change. We are encouraged that the framework recognizes the importance of key incentives to help developing countries respond to increasing climate impacts, reduce their emissions and protect their forests.

“While the Senators have provided an important blueprint for a successful vote, there is still work to be done to ensure that we achieve the most significant emissions reductions possible while prioritizing clean energy solutions that are truly renewable.

“Today’s announcement will bolster the negotiations by showing additional Senate support for the President’s goal of reducing US carbon emissions. But to truly demonstrate that the United States will follow through on its pledges here, the President must signal that passing this climate bill through the Senate in early 2010 is his next legislative priority.”

See:

• Kerry, Lieberman, Graham Release Framework for Climate Change and Energy Independence Legislation.  Press release (dtd 10 Dec 2009) from the office of Senator Kerry (an identical press release was issued by Senator Lieberman).
• Text of the letter and the current framework (PDF)
• Audio recording of press conference announcing the framework.
• Statement by the Press Secretary on the Comprehensive Energy Framework Announced by Senators Kerry, Lieberman, and Graham.  Statement released by the White House, 10 Dec 2009.