The Daily Climate: Boxer Sets Principles for Global Warming Legislation

by Emily Gertz · 2009-02-03 09:40:00 UTC
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Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chair of the powerful Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, this morning released her guidelines for crafting the federal laws which will cut the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.

The fact that they come less than a month into the new Obama administration, is encouraging on its own. The principles themselves are broadly composed, but seem to establish a decent foundation for upcoming legislative moves:

1. Reduce emissions to levels guided by science to avoid dangerous global warming.

2. Set short and long term emissions targets that are certain and enforceable, with periodic review of the climate science and adjustments to targets and policies as necessary to meet emissions reduction targets.

3. Ensure that state and local entities continue pioneering efforts to address global warming.

4. Establish a transparent and accountable market-based system that efficiently reduces carbon emissions.

5. Use revenues from the carbon market to:

  • Keep consumers whole as our nation transitions to clean energy;

  • Invest in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency measures;

  • Assist states, localities and tribes in addressing and adapting to global warming impacts;

  • Assist workers, businesses and communities, including manufacturing states, in the transition to a clean energy economy;

  • Support efforts to conserve wildlife and natural systems threatened by global warming; and

  • Work with the international community, including faith leaders, to provide support to developing nations in responding and adapting to global warming. In addition to other benefits, these actions will help avoid the threats to international stability and national security posed by global warming.

6. Ensure a level global playing field, by providing incentives for emission reductions and effective deterrents so that countries contribute their fair share to the international effort to combat global warming.

Image source: US Geological Survey

Emily Gertz
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