Senator Jeffords introduces 
climate change bill

WASHINGTON (08/03/06) -- U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has introduced sweeping legislation that would set the United States on a path to decrease and reverse the emissions of greenhouse gases. 

"The science is clear, mankind is heating the planet in a manner that is destructive," said Jeffords, who summoned the United States to take its rightful place as a world leader. "We can no longer afford to watch from the sidelines. We are a nation of innovators, and we have the skills to develop the technology to make these needed changes."

Highlights of Jeffords' Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Act: 

• Requires that the U.S. reduce its emissions between 2010 and 2020 to 1990 levels. By 2030, the U.S. must reduce its emissions by 1/3 of 80% percent below 1990 levels, by 2040 by 2/3 of 80% percent below 1990 levels and by 2050, to a level that is 80 percent below 1990 levels. 

• Requires that power plants, automobiles and carbon intensive businesses reduce their global warming pollution. 

• In the event that global atmospheric concentrations exceed 450 parts per million or that average global temperatures increase above 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial average, EPA can require additional reductions. 

• Provides for standards and grants for sequestration of greenhouse gases. 

• The National Academy of Sciences will report to EPA and the Congress to determine whether goals of the Act have been met. 

• Requires the US to derive 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. 

• Establishes energy efficiency standards similar those found in California and ten other states. 

• Invests in innovative technologies. 

Senators joining Jeffords and Boxer as original co-sponsors are Senators, Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-RI), Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). 

More information on the bill is available online:

• a copy of the bill. 
• a brief description of some of the bill's provisions. 
• a summary of the bill.