Cap and Trade Climate Bill Set for Introduction in House in Early 2008

(Washington – December 20, 2007) Environmental Defense today welcomed an announcement by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell that he plans to introduce legislation early next year to put a cap on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

“The stage is set for 2008. With a bill moving forward in the Senate and a renewed commitment in the House, Congress can pass a bill that finally begins to solve the climate change problem,” said Steve Cochran, national climate campaign director at Environmental Defense.

Dingell today said he plans to introduce a cap and trade bill that will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 60 to 80 percent below current levels by 2050, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said passage of comprehensive climate legislation will be a priority. The chairman said he would be “moving forward in the early part of next session” with the bill.

The Senate is expected to vote next year on the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, a cap and trade bill approved by the Environment and Public Works Committee in early December. That bill would cut emissions roughly 70 percent below current levels by 2050. 

“We’re very encouraged that Congress will be moving quickly in the new year. There’s no time for delay,” Cochran said.

                                                  ###

Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members.  Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems.  www.environmentaldefense.org