Obama, Kerry & Graham Hasten Domestic Climate Change Legislation

by Mike Smith · 2009-10-12 06:42:00 UTC
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Senators John Kerry and Lindsey Graham offered fighting words this weekend, explaining "If Congress does not pass legislation dealing with climate change, the administration will use the Environmental Protection Agency to impose new regulations." In the New York Times they explained just how difficult it will be to pass a comprehensive climate bill, but think a bi-partisan agreement is possible.

The partnership between Kerry and Graham, Democrat and Republican, is a fresh attempt to find consensus and get the necessary 60 votes, hoping EPA regulation won't be necessary, explaining that a climate change bill can be in everyone's interests:

It’s true that we come from different parts of the country and represent different constituencies and that we supported different presidential candidates in 2008. We even have different accents. But we speak with one voice in saying that the best way to make America stronger is to work together to address an urgent crisis facing the world.

The comprehensive opinion piece is a must read to understand domestic negotiation, and the reasons why it is in America's interests for legislation to pass.

The White House has been also been working hard to pass energy and climate legislation this year. Meetings with half of the Senate and 100 mayors indicate their ambition. And the permanent White House representative at Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator John Kerry's meetings to advance the legislation indicates further eagerness. They're hoping to sign a climate bill before Copenhagen, but aren't optimistic about it being signed that quickly.

Photo credit: Center For American Progress

Mike Smith
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