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Klobuchar Says Climate Change Bill Offers America an Opportunity to Lead

Klobuchar's "carbon counter'' proposal is first title of historic climate change legislation

June 2, 2008

Washington, D.C. – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said Congress can take practical, forward-looking steps to solve the challenge of global climate change and restore American leadership on environmental issues by adopting historic climate change legislation that comes before the Senate this week.

“From hunters in Hibbing to anglers on Leech Lake to snowmobilers all across Minnesota, people see the effect that climate change is having on our economy and our way of life,’’ Klobuchar said. “Minnesota has been a leader on conservation and renewable energy, but the time has come for national action. This is our opportunity to lead.’’

Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, authored legislation establishing a national registry of carbon emissions, a provision that is now the first title of the Climate Security Act. The registry is considered the first step toward a system to cap and reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

“You cannot solve a problem if you cannot measure it,’’ Klobuchar said. “Americans from all walks of life – from college students to corporate executives – are waiting for us to give them the tools to address climate change.’’
 
Klobuchar also noted that a strong, comprehensive national climate change policy could trigger a new wave of investment in renewable energy and conservation technology, creating thousands of good jobs in the “green economy.’’ She cited the example of the 1960s, when President Kennedy challenged the nation to put a man on the Moon and started a space program that ultimately created dozens of new industries and technologies.

“Climate change represents a world of challenges, but it also represents a universe of opportunities,’’ Klobuchar said. “If we set high standards, then investment, technology, innovation and jobs will come.’’

The Climate Security Act would set a national, science-based cap on carbon emissions, then use a “cap and trade’’ system to let the private sector reduce carbon emissions efficiently. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas pollution nearly 70 percent by the year 2050.

It has been endorsed by a broad coalition of business leaders and environmental groups, including Alcoa, General Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Fund and the Izaak Walton League of America.

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