House Climate Change Legislation Design White Papers

Jan 31: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Chaired by Representative John Dingell (D-MI) and its Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, Chaired by Rick Boucher (D-VA) are continuing their strategy of issuing a series of Climate Change Legislation Design White Papers as the next step toward enactment of a mandatory, economy-wide climate change program. The latest White Paper entitled, Competitiveness Concerns/Engaging Developing Countries, discusses potential domestic legislative provisions that could encourage developing countries to curb their emissions of greenhouse gases.

Last fall the Committee released its first White Paper on a cap-and-trade control methodology [See WIMS 10/4/07]. The latest White Paper on Competitiveness Concerns will be the subject of a Subcommittee hearing on February 28, 2008. According to Dingell and Boucher, additional White Papers will be released in the coming weeks to address other key issues in of their proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) control strategy. The two Representatives said it is their goal to draft GHG control legislation and get it processed through the Subcommittee and full Committee and to the House Floor in time to conference with legislation from the Senate. They said, "It is our intention to present a final measure to the President to be signed into law before the Congress adjourns this year.

They said their legislation will most likely include a provision to encourage developing countries to curb their GHG emissions. The White Paper examines the need and current proposal to achieve that goal. The two are encouraging interested parties to share their views and suggestions on this issue.

On December 5, 2007, the full Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), Chaired by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), approved S. 2191, the Lieberman Warner Climate Security Act. The final vote on approval was 11-8, with all eight Democrats voting for the bill, two Independents voting for the bill, and one Republican, sponsor Senator Warner voting for the bill. The bill now awaits consideration before the full Senate [See WIMS 12/6/07].

Access a memo to members of the Committee including contacts to submit input (click here). Access the 16-page White Paper (click here). [*Climate]