Climate-Change Bill Hits Senate
Get ready for some upcoming controversy: a climate-change bill has hit the Senate.
Sounds great, right? Not to everyone:
The Senate will decide this week whether to follow in California’s footsteps and pass legislation requiring cuts in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.
Lawmakers are to vote today to begin debate on a bill that could reshape the U.S. economy by requiring industry to pay to emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Opponents call it a new tax on industry that could raise gas prices and energy bills for consumers. Supporters say it’s a crucial step to advance cleaner energy and protect the planet.
With the economy in flux, people will be reticent to see their costs rise. And those who oppose the bill will lead with this:
Opponents of the bill also see an opportunity: With gas prices hitting record highs and the economy floundering, they believe they can rally opposition to the measure by focusing attention on its potential costs to businesses and consumers.
In the end, the question is: how much good will this do? According to some environmentalists, while the bill is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough:
Most environmental groups support the bill, although some say it doesn’t go far enough. The measure would reduce U.S. greenhouse gases by about 66 percent below current levels by 2050, but many climate scientists say reductions of at least 80 percent below 2000 levels will be required to avoid the most severe impacts of rising temperatures.
