http://www.indystar.com/article/20100605/OPINION08/6050325/1291/OPINION08/Lugar-takes-best-shot-at-energy-plan
Our Opinion--Indianapolis Star
Posted: June 5, 2010
There should be no doubt that the United States needs an energy and climate policy, just as there should be no expectation of a perfect law to that effect -- one that satisfies industry, environmentalists, consumers and legislators from states with varying fossil-fuel dependency.
Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., seeks to address both realities with a bill to be introduced next week aimed at wooing colleagues whose support is lacking for the Democratic plan of the moment.
With polls showing weak popular regard for cap-and-trade, and with votes lacking from coal-state Democrats as well as Republicans, the Kerry-Lieberman bill appears permanently stalled. This, despite concessions to energy companies and coal-dependent states, made at the cost of alienating many environmental groups.
Lugar's bill will not please those who insist on tough immediate mandates for cutting emissions and raising the proportion of energy drawn from renewable sources. It does advance the discussion, however, by emphasizing conservation, nuclear power and the phase-out of aging coal-powered generating plants. It tends to subordinate long-term economies to existing jobs and utility rate restraint, but Lugar insists there's no ultimate conflict.
"It's more practical," says his spokesman, Andy Fisher. "It saves consumers money. It fixes the leaks (in building design and construction). It goes after efficiencies, which are the low-hanging fruit here. Ergo: emissions reduction."
Reduction of oil imports is another key feature, striking at the worst culprit in the nation's trade deficit as well as a prime threat to its security. Whether the teeth are there to meet Lugar's goal of a 68 percent reduction by 2030 is a burning question. Half the job would be done via vehicle fuel efficiency -- for the most part, extending current federal standards but with various waiver options. When Lugar himself is pointing out that oil imports account for half the trade deficit, and twice the deficit with China, stronger measures may have to be in a final package.
China, incidentally, is racing ahead in the green energy business, in which Lugar likewise takes a carrot-rather-than-stick approach. He stresses incentives and state choice, rather than a national standard, for the share of the pie taken up by alternative fuels. Many states (not yet Indiana) already have set their own bars.
How much federal muscle is needed to augment state initiatives and market forces toward balanced energy usage remains to be decided. Lugar's bill will not constitute an energy policy, but it could help form a foundation for one by getting the most out of the politics that prevail.
BACKGROUND
Sen. Lugar to propose climate bill alternative
Wed, Jun 2 2010
By Richard Cowan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior Republican in the Senate next week will propose energy and climate legislation that aims to cut emissions of planet-warming gases, but with far lower goals than President Barack Obama seeks.
Senator Richard Lugar, whose home state of Indiana relies heavily on dirty-burning coal to power electric utilities, is crafting legislation he says would achieve about half of the 17 percent cut from 2005 levels in carbon emissions by 2020 proposed by Obama.
At international negotiations on tackling global warming, many countries already are criticizing the United States, saying the 17 percent goal is too meek to be effective.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has said the country's carbon dioxide emissions, which represent about 80 percent of overall greenhouse gases, have already fallen more than 9 percent since 2005. The recession has played a role, along with heavier reliance on natural gas and more efficient use of fuels.
Lugar's legislation would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions through a mix of better fuel efficiency for vehicles, using more renewable fuels for those cars, making new homes and commercial buildings more energy efficient and expanding nuclear power generation.
For heavy-polluting coal-fired power plants, they would be excused from investing in expensive scrubbers over the next few years and in return would voluntarily retire the plants in 2020.
Absent from Lugar's bill will be any new "cap and trade" system for carbon pollution permits, an idea that anchors climate change legislation passed nearly a year ago by the House of Representatives and included in a draft bill presented by senators John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman on May 12.
The pollution permits to be traded would put a price on carbon dioxide emissions. That price would rise over the next four decades so that utilities, factories and car companies would have incentives to switch to cleaner-burning fuels.
"Lugar's bill is a main alternative to the divisive cap-and-trade approach," said a press release announcing next week's bill introduction.
NEW URGENCY
Republicans and some Democrats fear that such a mandatory program for cutting carbon emissions would significantly raise consumer prices and result in job losses -- a conclusion challenged by some economic analyses.
In a speech at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Obama placed new urgency on the need for Congress to pass an energy and climate bill.
More specifically, Obama said "putting a price on carbon pollution" was necessary. "The votes may not be there right now, but I intend to find them in the coming months," he said about legislation that has been stuck in the Senate.
The BP oil spill plaguing the Gulf of Mexico has brought new calls from Obama and Kerry to pass legislation promptly.
But the spill, which has gone uncontrolled since April 20, also has hurt Senate prospects. While some Republicans want the climate bill to also expand offshore oil drilling, they know that the timing of such an initiative could not be worse.
As the senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lugar has voiced fears that global warming could present a national security threat to the United States as drought in poor countries destabilizes governments.
Also next week, the Senate is set to vote June 10 on a move to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gas pollution. The outcome of that vote could have a bearing on how the Senate approaches climate change legislation.
(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. Tell us what you think about Sen. Lugar's energy plan.
Showing posts with label cap and trade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cap and trade. Show all posts
Monday, June 7, 2010
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Strategies for your business to survive in a cap and trade world
FREE Panel Discussion and Networking event:
Thursday, September 03, 2009 ---5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Thursday, September 03, 2009 ---5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Green Business Network presents second Green Business Networking Series event at the Columbia Club on September 3rd, 2009.
Green Business Network is an Indianapolis based organization that promotes green businesses through education and connection. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Indiana Chapter of the US Green Building Council and the Hoosier Environmental Council.
Learn about current Greenhouse Gas legislation and how it applies to your business; What effect will it have on your business operations; Identify tools available to mitigate the risks and take advantage of tax and investment incentives. The speakers include:
1. Anthony Paul, an economist at Resources for the Future, a nonprofit organization that conducts independent research on environmental, energy out of Washington DC will provide economist perspective on carbon regulations and implications for Indiana businesses as well as the compliance costs to manufacturer, small businesses.
2. Tony Sullivan – partner with Barnes & Thornburg will cover Waxman Markey bill definition, applicability, main provisions and current status in the Congress.
3. Michael Radcliffe - RMT Strategic Advisory Services Leader will elaborate on how holistic value chain business assessment will help businesses to compete and stay profitable in present economic environment.
4. Ann McCabe with Climate registry out of Chicago, IL will cover available tools for Indiana businesses in measuring and reporting Greenhouse Gas emissions.
5. Matthew Morgan and Anneliese Williams with Barnes & Thornburg will discuss available business incentives: tax credits;cash payments; loans; grants on federal, state and local levels for Indiana businesses provided by current legislature.
6. Kristen Trovillion - Program Manager with Indiana Office of Energy Development will highlight the state’s energy efficiency programs for businesses and nonprofits and will discuss Alternative Power and Energy (APE) grant for businesses
Learn more about panel speakers
Moreover, the event has dedicated a two-hour period after the panel discussion, for participants to engage in Green Networking.
The program seeks diversity in its attendance, which will include corporate leaders, business professionals, business owners, local policymakers, educators, and local media persons.
The event is FREE but advance registration is requested. Space is limited and assigned on first come first serve basis.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Watch Terry Black, Greenway Supply Video on Cap and Trade from Inside Indiana Business on 7/17/09
Watch Terry Black, co-owner of Greenway Supply in Indianapolis on Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick from last Friday, July 17, 2009.
WATCH VIDEO HERE.
WATCH VIDEO HERE.
The following is advertising copy from a newspaper advertisement that ran in Indiana before the U.S. House of Representatives vote on "cap and trade" in the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454).
The American Clean Energy and Security Act will
make a real difference for America, and my business.
By jump-starting a clean energy economy, it
will create demand for steel for wind turbines, energy
efficient windows for new construction, and
thousands of other products made in America
– including Earth friendly building supplies that
my company provides here in Indiana.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act
will cut oil imports, create new jobs, and keep energy
affordable. It’s the right choice for America.
Help Small Business Create Jobs
Vote for the American Clean
Energy and Security ActPaid for by Environmental Defense Action Fund
"To me, the American Clean
Energy and SecurityAct means
jobs for Indiana”Terry Black, GreenWaySupply, Indiana and member of InREA.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Green Business Owner Responds to Congressman Mike Pence
This guest editorial was submitted by Terrence Black with Green Way Supply who is a founding member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association in response to comments made by Congressman Mike Pence in the GOP's weekly radio and Internet address. The original story follows.
Black: Pence Sounds Like "Henny Penny" on Cap and Trade
First, I would like to remind the “Henny Penny” chorus that we very effectively reduced Acid Rain in the 1970’s when we instituted and a cap and trade system on Sulfur Dioxide. The benefits far outweighed the actual very small increase in utility costs. We have a president that worked. Second, we will never persuade other countries to cut their emissions unless we do it ourselves. That’s called leadership. And finally with a sagging national economy hitting us hard here in Indiana, every elected official should be looking for ways to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
The climate bill before congress will essentially limit or cap dirty technology, which will create incentives to reduce our energy use and help develop and install more clean renewable sources of energy. I can tell you first hand that when it comes to creating jobs for Hoosiers, supporting local businesses, and helping residents save money, the smart money is on clean energy. In this economy, my business is growing. This year we have doubled our revenue and the number of employees here in Indianapolis. I believe energy management and renewable energy will be our biggest growth area in the coming years. We recently installed several small-scale commercial and residential wind turbines and photovoltaic systems that are true CLEAN ENERGY generators and more systems are scheduled to be installed this year.
My business also supports more than a dozen local Indiana companies that are the leading edge of the new GREEN ECONCOMY – one that has the potential to power us into a new era of prosperity and energy independence. Study after study has shown what I know from on-the-ground experience: investing in new, clean energy creates jobs at a much faster rate than investments in old, dirty energy sources like oil and gas. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that investments in clean energy produce two to three times as many jobs as investments in dirty, low-tech energy. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Department of Energy have issued similar findings. Why settle for half as many jobs when we could have double, or even triple? I think Congressman Pence, Governor Daniels and others are actually wrongheaded.
Terrence Black
Green Way Supply
tblack@greenwaysupply.net
(317) 822-8505
Pence: Climate bill is wrongheaded
Hoosier says GOP's drilling/nuclear plan would have an alternative-energy payoff
By H. Josef Hebert
Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Republicans on Saturday slammed a Democratic bill before the House that seeks to address climate change, arguing that it amounts to an energy tax on consumers.
In the GOP's weekly radio and Internet address, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence said Congress should instead open the way for more domestic oil and natural gas production and ease regulatory barriers to building new nuclear power plants.
"During these difficult times, the American people don't want a national energy tax out of Washington, D.C.," said Pence, the third-ranking House Republican.
Pence reiterated what GOP lawmakers have been saying for weeks: that the climate bill being considered in the House, which caps releases of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, would lead to much higher energy costs and accomplish little to counter global warming if other nations do not act as well. The bill's supporters counter that the increased costs can be minimized.
Pence outlined the alternative proposal that he and several other House Republicans unveiled last week. The GOP plan included no mandatory limits on greenhouse gases -- something that supporters of the Democratic bill argue is essential to reduce the risks of global warming.
Still, Pence maintains the GOP plan will promote nonfossil-fuel energy use.
"The Republican energy plan calls for more domestic exploration for oil and natural gas, renewed commitment to clean, emission-free nuclear energy, investments in renewable and alternative energy technologies and incentives to spur greater conservation among individuals and businesses," he said.
The GOP plan calls for using revenue from more oil and gas drilling to promote renewable energy such as wind and solar; it also makes it easier to get approval to build more nuclear power plants. The proposal also sets a goal of doubling the number of nuclear reactors over the next 20 years.
When Pence introduced the GOP measure, the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called it "the same tired policies embraced" for years by then-President George W. Bush "at a time when Americans are seeking new solutions to rebuild our economy and break our dependence on foreign energy sources."
published in Indianapolis Star on June 14, 2009
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906140373
To watch the GOP Weekly Address http://www.gop.gov/media/weekly-republican-address/09/06/13/weekly-republican-address
Please share your thoughts with Congressman Mike Pence.
Washington, D.C. Website:
http://mikepence.house.gov/
Washington, D.C. Webmail:
https://forms.house.gov/pence/IMA/contact_form.htm
Washington, D.C. Address:
1431 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-3021
Fax: 202-225-3382
Black: Pence Sounds Like "Henny Penny" on Cap and Trade
First, I would like to remind the “Henny Penny” chorus that we very effectively reduced Acid Rain in the 1970’s when we instituted and a cap and trade system on Sulfur Dioxide. The benefits far outweighed the actual very small increase in utility costs. We have a president that worked. Second, we will never persuade other countries to cut their emissions unless we do it ourselves. That’s called leadership. And finally with a sagging national economy hitting us hard here in Indiana, every elected official should be looking for ways to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
The climate bill before congress will essentially limit or cap dirty technology, which will create incentives to reduce our energy use and help develop and install more clean renewable sources of energy. I can tell you first hand that when it comes to creating jobs for Hoosiers, supporting local businesses, and helping residents save money, the smart money is on clean energy. In this economy, my business is growing. This year we have doubled our revenue and the number of employees here in Indianapolis. I believe energy management and renewable energy will be our biggest growth area in the coming years. We recently installed several small-scale commercial and residential wind turbines and photovoltaic systems that are true CLEAN ENERGY generators and more systems are scheduled to be installed this year.
My business also supports more than a dozen local Indiana companies that are the leading edge of the new GREEN ECONCOMY – one that has the potential to power us into a new era of prosperity and energy independence. Study after study has shown what I know from on-the-ground experience: investing in new, clean energy creates jobs at a much faster rate than investments in old, dirty energy sources like oil and gas. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that investments in clean energy produce two to three times as many jobs as investments in dirty, low-tech energy. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Department of Energy have issued similar findings. Why settle for half as many jobs when we could have double, or even triple? I think Congressman Pence, Governor Daniels and others are actually wrongheaded.
Terrence Black
Green Way Supply
tblack@greenwaysupply.net
(317) 822-8505
Pence: Climate bill is wrongheaded
Hoosier says GOP's drilling/nuclear plan would have an alternative-energy payoff
By H. Josef Hebert
Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Republicans on Saturday slammed a Democratic bill before the House that seeks to address climate change, arguing that it amounts to an energy tax on consumers.
In the GOP's weekly radio and Internet address, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence said Congress should instead open the way for more domestic oil and natural gas production and ease regulatory barriers to building new nuclear power plants.
"During these difficult times, the American people don't want a national energy tax out of Washington, D.C.," said Pence, the third-ranking House Republican.
Pence reiterated what GOP lawmakers have been saying for weeks: that the climate bill being considered in the House, which caps releases of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, would lead to much higher energy costs and accomplish little to counter global warming if other nations do not act as well. The bill's supporters counter that the increased costs can be minimized.
Pence outlined the alternative proposal that he and several other House Republicans unveiled last week. The GOP plan included no mandatory limits on greenhouse gases -- something that supporters of the Democratic bill argue is essential to reduce the risks of global warming.
Still, Pence maintains the GOP plan will promote nonfossil-fuel energy use.
"The Republican energy plan calls for more domestic exploration for oil and natural gas, renewed commitment to clean, emission-free nuclear energy, investments in renewable and alternative energy technologies and incentives to spur greater conservation among individuals and businesses," he said.
The GOP plan calls for using revenue from more oil and gas drilling to promote renewable energy such as wind and solar; it also makes it easier to get approval to build more nuclear power plants. The proposal also sets a goal of doubling the number of nuclear reactors over the next 20 years.
When Pence introduced the GOP measure, the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called it "the same tired policies embraced" for years by then-President George W. Bush "at a time when Americans are seeking new solutions to rebuild our economy and break our dependence on foreign energy sources."
published in Indianapolis Star on June 14, 2009
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906140373
To watch the GOP Weekly Address http://www.gop.gov/media/weekly-republican-address/09/06/13/weekly-republican-address
Please share your thoughts with Congressman Mike Pence.
Washington, D.C. Website:
http://mikepence.house.gov/
Washington, D.C. Webmail:
https://forms.house.gov/pence/IMA/contact_form.htm
Washington, D.C. Address:
1431 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-3021
Fax: 202-225-3382
Friday, March 6, 2009
US Congress to bundle RES + cap-and-trade + smart grid
How will this delay in enacting a federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) impact the efforts during the 2009 Indiana General Assembly to pass a state RES? Please share your thoughts.
Senate Dems to put energy, emissions bills in one package -- Reid (03/05/2009)
Darren Samuelsohn, E&E senior reporter
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) confirmed today that he will package energy and global warming measures together into one large bill for consideration later this year, a decision that should put to rest questions about whether Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill have different strategies for one of President Obama's top agenda items.
Reid gave only a one-word answer -- "yes" -- when asked whether he planned to wrap a cap-and-trade bill together with separate bills establishing a nationwide renewable electricity standard (RES) and promotion of a modernized grid that can improve energy efficiency, reliability and renewable energy management.
As recently as last week, Reid had spoken of splitting the energy and climate items up into at least three different bills, with the energy provisions moving forward first while holding back on the global warming measure for the late summer. Reid did not elaborate today on his change of plans, and his spokesman, Jim Manley, declined further comment.
But sources tracking the Capitol Hill climate debate said Reid's shift came after a month of intense lobbying for the one-bill strategy that originated with House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).
Waxman first convinced House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on his approach. Pelosi, in turn, got approval from the Obama White House before pitching Reid the idea earlier this week during their weekly conference meeting.
Pelosi went public with her endorsement of Waxman's strategy Tuesday. "I would like to see one bill, which is the energy bill with the cap and trade and the grid piece," she told reporters. "They're the three elements that we have to pass more fully. I'd like to see it as one bill."
As far as timing, Pelosi and Reid have both promised floor votes this year on the global warming and energy measures, though they have been less clear about exactly when that may occur. Waxman has pledged a committee markup by Memorial Day, fueling speculation his measure could be handled by other committees that have jurisdiction on the issue and still be ready for the floor before lawmakers break for their summer recess in August.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill today would only point to Waxman's Memorial Day schedule.
In the Senate, Reid had previously said he wanted to hold a floor debate in the spring on energy, while holding back on the climate bill until later this summer.
"This is a big beast, you can't predict the timing," said one former Senate Democratic aide.
Different views on one-bill strategy
There is plenty of different opinions about the one-, two- or even three-bill strategy on and off Capitol Hill.
"Personally, I think they go hand in hand," Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) said in an interview today. "I'm very comfortable putting them together."
Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) advocated for the combination strategy as well, saying it helps lawmakers grasp the entire picture of what they are voting on "You can adjust one in order to compensate for changes you might want to make in another," Boucher said. "It does create a broader opportunity for balanced legislating. So I think it's a better way to do it that way."
Anna Aurilio, director of the Washington office of Environment America, said the logistics of the energy and climate legislation should be secondary to passing a measure as fast as possible. That said, she backs a single bill. "We want to get it done," she said. "If it moves together, if it moves separately, we want to get it done. The urgency of solving the problem is paramount, so obviously enacting one bill is easier than enacting separate bills."
But not everyone is on the same page.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said earlier today that he wants to mark up the energy and "smart grid" legislation this month and he still has doubts whether a cap-and-trade bill can move within the same timeframe. "I hate to see all of that sort of held hostage until we can get agreement on a cap-and-trade bill," he told reporters today.
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a critical swing vote for Democrats as they pursue Obama's agenda, said she was not aware of Reid's new position on combining energy and climate. Even so, she said she had some concerns with the approach. "I think you have to be careful not to make things such mega-bills," she said. "You give people plenty of reasons to vote against this."
And Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) also found fault in taking energy and climate change up in one package.
"It's an enormous undertaking," Kyl said. "And I don't think we're anywhere close to having the information necessary to pull all of this off. There's a great error being made here that we really know how to make all this stuff work. It's a bit like running the banking and financial institutions. If you're comfortable with the way we do that, well, then maybe you're comfortable with the way we run the energy system of the entire country I think not."
Reporters Ben Geman and Kate Ling contributed
Senate Dems to put energy, emissions bills in one package -- Reid (03/05/2009)
Darren Samuelsohn, E&E senior reporter
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) confirmed today that he will package energy and global warming measures together into one large bill for consideration later this year, a decision that should put to rest questions about whether Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill have different strategies for one of President Obama's top agenda items.
Reid gave only a one-word answer -- "yes" -- when asked whether he planned to wrap a cap-and-trade bill together with separate bills establishing a nationwide renewable electricity standard (RES) and promotion of a modernized grid that can improve energy efficiency, reliability and renewable energy management.
As recently as last week, Reid had spoken of splitting the energy and climate items up into at least three different bills, with the energy provisions moving forward first while holding back on the global warming measure for the late summer. Reid did not elaborate today on his change of plans, and his spokesman, Jim Manley, declined further comment.
But sources tracking the Capitol Hill climate debate said Reid's shift came after a month of intense lobbying for the one-bill strategy that originated with House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).
Waxman first convinced House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on his approach. Pelosi, in turn, got approval from the Obama White House before pitching Reid the idea earlier this week during their weekly conference meeting.
Pelosi went public with her endorsement of Waxman's strategy Tuesday. "I would like to see one bill, which is the energy bill with the cap and trade and the grid piece," she told reporters. "They're the three elements that we have to pass more fully. I'd like to see it as one bill."
As far as timing, Pelosi and Reid have both promised floor votes this year on the global warming and energy measures, though they have been less clear about exactly when that may occur. Waxman has pledged a committee markup by Memorial Day, fueling speculation his measure could be handled by other committees that have jurisdiction on the issue and still be ready for the floor before lawmakers break for their summer recess in August.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill today would only point to Waxman's Memorial Day schedule.
In the Senate, Reid had previously said he wanted to hold a floor debate in the spring on energy, while holding back on the climate bill until later this summer.
"This is a big beast, you can't predict the timing," said one former Senate Democratic aide.
Different views on one-bill strategy
There is plenty of different opinions about the one-, two- or even three-bill strategy on and off Capitol Hill.
"Personally, I think they go hand in hand," Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) said in an interview today. "I'm very comfortable putting them together."
Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) advocated for the combination strategy as well, saying it helps lawmakers grasp the entire picture of what they are voting on "You can adjust one in order to compensate for changes you might want to make in another," Boucher said. "It does create a broader opportunity for balanced legislating. So I think it's a better way to do it that way."
Anna Aurilio, director of the Washington office of Environment America, said the logistics of the energy and climate legislation should be secondary to passing a measure as fast as possible. That said, she backs a single bill. "We want to get it done," she said. "If it moves together, if it moves separately, we want to get it done. The urgency of solving the problem is paramount, so obviously enacting one bill is easier than enacting separate bills."
But not everyone is on the same page.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said earlier today that he wants to mark up the energy and "smart grid" legislation this month and he still has doubts whether a cap-and-trade bill can move within the same timeframe. "I hate to see all of that sort of held hostage until we can get agreement on a cap-and-trade bill," he told reporters today.
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a critical swing vote for Democrats as they pursue Obama's agenda, said she was not aware of Reid's new position on combining energy and climate. Even so, she said she had some concerns with the approach. "I think you have to be careful not to make things such mega-bills," she said. "You give people plenty of reasons to vote against this."
And Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) also found fault in taking energy and climate change up in one package.
"It's an enormous undertaking," Kyl said. "And I don't think we're anywhere close to having the information necessary to pull all of this off. There's a great error being made here that we really know how to make all this stuff work. It's a bit like running the banking and financial institutions. If you're comfortable with the way we do that, well, then maybe you're comfortable with the way we run the energy system of the entire country I think not."
Reporters Ben Geman and Kate Ling contributed
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