Press Room

Global Warming ’gold Standard’ Legislation Unveiled

Words by Severance, Nancy

Published March 20, 2007

"Rep. Henry Waxman's Safe Climate Act is the plan that gives the U.S. its best chance at successfully addressing the global warming problem. I believe it is the gold standard that will define the debate in Congress, and I hope it is enacted this year.

"Rep. Waxman's bill hits the sweet spot by gradually reducing global warming pollution in a way that sets an example for the rest of the world. Rather than being a half-measure, this bill will successfully ensure our energy, economic, environmental and national security needs for the future are fully satisfied."

MORE INFORMATION

The Safe Climate Act was introduced today with over 120 original cosponsors. The bill has been made public on "Climate Crisis Action Day," a lobbying event and demonstration sponsored by conservation groups.

The bill would gradually reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Waxman bill would cut emissions from sources such as cars and power plants at the levels we need to avoid the worst effects of global warming.

On the Senate side, many environmental groups are lining up in support of the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act (S. 309), led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Similar to Waxman bill, S. 309 would gradually reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

More information on global warming can be found at http://www.audubon.org/globalWarming/.