Earth Equity News

Climate Bill Unlikely This Year or Next. By John Harwood, NYTimes, November 9, 2009. "Congress is unlikely, this year or next, to establish the 'cap and trade' system for curbing carbon emissions that Mr. Obama and party leaders seek. Nor are world leaders at a climate conference in Copenhagen next month likely to strike a concrete deal to limit emissions in the name of curbing global warming. The Democrats' challenge, then, is to make enough progress to avoid defeat in the near term and achieve their priorities in the long term. Though advocates insist that transforming energy policy will bring economic and environmental benefits alike, rising joblessness has amplified attacks from critics who deride Mr. Obama's energy policy as a big-government 'cap and tax' plan... Prospects for an energy bill capping carbon emissions appear shaky even next year... The House-passed energy bill called for a 17% reduction, while also limiting the EPA's regulatory authority to curb emissions. Some environmental advocates said such concessions -- and more that might be needed to win a Senate vote -- might prompt the White House to abandon legislation altogether and simply use its regulatory power."