USA Today examined the efforts today of a group of three senators who are promoting another approach to climate change legislation that would boost domestic energy production while implementing GHG-reduction programs. They are Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Joseph I. Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
In a speech planned for delivery today at the United Nations-led Copenhagen climate summit, Kerry will respond to Chinese criticism of the U.S. for not assigning more climate money for developing nations: "Some of my colleagues in Washington remain--like some leaders elsewhere--reluctant to grapple with a climate crisis mostly measured in future dangers and parts per million, when they're confronted every day with the present pain of hard-working people in a tough economic time. To pass a bill, we must be able to assure a senator from Ohio that steelworkers in his state won't lose their jobs to India and China because those countries are not participating in a way that is measureable, reportable and verifiable."
Graham was quoted as saying: "Most Republicans don't feel comfortable with the idea that our party stands for unlimited carbon pollution perpetually," and Lieberman said: "We will get a climate bill because people here understand that the problem of climate change is growing more severe every day. The only real question is when."
