Environmental Defense Praises Senate's Climate Stewardship Act

(10 February, 2005 - - Washington)  Environmental Defense today praised the re-introduction of the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act in the U.S. Senate.  The Act is the first and best proposal for a bi-partisan and comprehensive national policy to cut greenhouse gas pollution. 

“The Climate Stewardship Act calls for a mandatory cap on greenhouse gas pollution, taking on the problem of global warming in a strong and sensible way.  It’s time for the U.S. to take the lead in solving this global problem,” said Environmental Defense president Fred Krupp.  “This market-based approach will foster the innovation needed to cut greenhouse gas pollution.”

An independent M.I.T. analysis puts the low annual estimated cost of the measure at $15-20 per household in 2010.  The Climate Stewardship Act was last voted on in October 2003 when it secured 43 votes, sending a clear message that support is growing in Congress for sensible, effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution nationwide.

“Under this responsible plan, about a nickel a day helps keep global warming away.  At a low estimated cost of less than 5-and-a-half cents a day per household in 2010, it gives Senators an easy choice between doing something or doing nothing about climate change,” said Krupp.  “Senators should support this moderate and affordable first step to protect our country and our children from greenhouse gas pollution.”

“The Climate Stewardship Act is the best way for the U.S. to address global warming today and minimize the risk of serious economic disruption tomorrow,” said Steve Cochran, Environmental Defense director of Strategic Communications. 

The MIT study is available at web.mit.edu/globalchange/www/MITJPSPGC_Rpt97.pdf.