House Passes Climate Bill

Last Friday, the House of Representatives approved the historic American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) bill, better known as the Waxman-Markey bill. The bill, largely voted along party lines, seeks to radically transform how America creates, dispenses, and consumes energy, all the while promoting a healthier environment and creating a new economy.

Talk about an ambitious proposal! While the Waxman-Markey bill is not perfect, it is the first time that the federal government will set restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet many do not think that the bill is strong enough. Greenpeace has come out in opposition to the Waxman-Markey bill, citing that it will not adequately curtail the effects of global warming. Indeed, the bill’s immediate goal, a 17% reduction of emissions by 2020, is less than what most other developed nations are embracing. Environmentalists are also up in arms over one of the bill’s provisions that essentially strips the EPA of any authority over investigating the impacts of the biofuel industry, instead calling for a consensus between the EPA and the secretaries of energy and agriculture before a decision can be reached. In other words, two departments that have never traditionally been advocates of a cleaner environment will now have veto power over the ACES legislation.

The bill’s impact on low-income neighborhoods is also causing concern for advocacy groups, questioning if people should get behind a bill if it will impact the amount of food they can put on their tables. The bill seeks to fine companies if they emit more greenhouse gases than they are allowed to. Naturally, these companies will transfer the costs to the consumers, which will raise utility bills and other household costs. According to a recent Congressional study, the new legislation will cost the average American household $175 a year by 2020. However, there are many rebates and incentives out there that can significantly, if not completely, lessen the financial impact.

And the bill still has to make its way through the Senate. All spectators agree that if the Senate approves the Waxman-Markey bill, it will be a watered-down version of what has just been approved. Yet there is still room to smile. Since the late 1980s, major pieces of legislation concerning the environment have been strengthened after approval. It will be interesting to see the final version that lands on President Obama’s desk, yet with the emphasis on green job creation, the high priority given to emerging renewable energy sources, and at least the first step in a federal effort to fight the effects of global warming, many are still optimistic.

Sources:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/27/MNGK18EF9D.DTL&type=green
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/06/25-9
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cynthia-gordy/is-the-climate-change-bil_b_221015.html    
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-25-not-bad-waxman