Week in Review: The Climate Bill

[Earth Day Network]

This week’s environmental headlines have been dominated by the climate bill. And with just cause. The United States has not taken responsibility for its energy use and the subsequent pollution that resulted from years without legitimate controls. Now, with the effects of global warming becoming more obvious with each passing day, it appears that some progress is possible. This is not to say that the ACES Act (a.k.a. The Waxman-Markey Bill) will single-handedly ‘green’ the nation, but it is a step in the right direction toward higher energy standards, responsible consumption, and a cleaner future.

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that three-quarters of Americans think the federal government should regulate the release of greenhouse gases, and 56 percent said they would approve such measures even if it increased their monthly electricity costs by $10. Clearly, the nation wants this change.

What Would the Bill Do?

The ACES Act would cap the amount of carbon emissions from the major US sources, including electric companies and oil refineries. These companies get emission allowances, which they can trade with each other. Industries that reduce their emissions receive economic incentives. Under this law, electric companies must use renewable energy sources to meet 6% of power demand by 2012, and 20% of power demand by 2020. The legislation aims to cap greenhouse-gas emissions at 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and increasing targets through 2050.

Nearly $200 billion would be invested in new clean energy technologies and energy-saving standards would be enforced on new buildings, vehicles, and appliances.

For weeks, many House Republicans have opposed the bill because they argue it would kill jobs and force higher prices on electricity, gasoline, and other energy sources during a recession. Bill supporters and President Obama say differently, arguing that it is "a jobs bill" that will lead to the creation of new industries and "finally make clean energy a profitable kind of energy." Democrats have attempted to limit the economic impact with supplements for energy-intensive industries and credits for low-income consumers who might face higher energy costs.

What Has Been Happening This Week?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been pushing hard for the legislation, which would be the first to set limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This week, she has been meeting with representatives who are on the fence about the legislation. Quite a few changes have been made this week to ensure the bill’s passage. President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and other supporters have faced opposition from various industries and the bill has been amended to gain their support.

What Does it All Mean?

Some of the amendments made to the bill demonstrate the power of so many industries in our country and the effect the energy industry has on the US economy.

Certainly, the climate bill has been watered down from its original state, but it is still a leap in the right direction. All progress takes time and, if the bill does pass, there will not be immediate, obvious changes. Instead, there would be gradual progress that would build momentum as 2020 drew closer.

But with this bill, Americans can move away from fossil fuels and toward a greener future for generations to come. It is a turning point that could lead to more personal, corporate, and government responsibility for preserving the Earth. This legislation coincides with Earth Day’s upcoming 40th Anniversary and it would help usher in a Green Generation.

The bill is set for a vote Friday afternoon with 218 votes needed in the 435-seat House.