U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and John Kerry (D-Mass) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to reduce the emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The “Global Warming Reduction Act” sets greenhouse gas emissions targets and include incentives to buy efficient products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions for American homes, businesses and roads.
Snowe and Kerry also announced that they would hold a hearing on the role of small business in slowing climate change in the next few weeks, in their capacity as the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
GLOBAL WARMING REDUCTION ACT HIGHLIGHTS:
” Requires that the U.S. freeze emissions in 2010 and then calls for a gradual reduction each year to 65 percent below 2000 emissions levels by 2050. The bill achieves these targets through a flexible, economy-wide cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions.
” Provides immediate incentives to reduce emissions, producing direct results in the near-term.
” Requires that passenger vehicles reduce their global warming pollution.
” Includes measures to advance technology and reduce emissions through clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency in the transportation, industrial and residential sectors.
” Requires the US to derive 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
” Includes a resolution expressing the urgent need for President Bush to re-engage in international climate negotiations.
” Establishes a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program to help communities assess their vulnerability to climatic changes and shorter term climatic variations – including changes and variations resulting from human activities – and better prepare for it.
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