House Democrats release draft energy, climate bill
By DARREN SAMUELSOHN AND BEN GEMAN, Greenwire, NY Times, March 31, 2009 [here]
Democratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today unveiled a 648-page draft global warming and energy bill that is being praised by environmental groups but presents significant political challenges.
The bill by Reps. Henry Waxman of California and Ed Markey of Massachusetts would establish a cap-and-trade program curbing U.S. emissions 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, with a midcentury target of 83 percent reductions of the heat-trapping gases. It also creates a nationwide renewable electricity standard that reaches 25 percent by 2025, new energy efficiency programs and limits on the carbon content of motor fuels, and requires greenhouse gas standards for new heavy duty vehicles and engines.
Statements from the two congressmen now atop the powerful House panel included a seven-week schedule leading to a final committee vote on the measure before the Memorial Day recess. … [more]