| February 27, 2009 |  |
Obama, Congress Make Progress on Climate Policy
Statement by Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists
WASHINGTON (February 27, 2009) — It was a whirlwind week in Washington on the climate change front. President Obama last Tuesday asked Congress to pass legislation creating a market-based cap on heat-trapping emissions that cause global warming. The next day, House and Senate committees held hearings on the latest climate science. And yesterday, President Obama released a budget that reaffirmed his commitment to capping emissions and auctioning 100 percent of allowances under a cap-and-trade system.
Below is a statement by Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists:
"President Obama and Congress moved the ball forward this week on climate policy, creating some of the political momentum that we need on this issue. The science is clear that we must act as quickly as possible. And we need concrete domestic policies in place to boost our economy and help forge a new international climate agreement in December.
"Auctioning revenues is the smartest way to implement a cap-and-trade system. It ensures that the market sets a fair price on heat-trapping emissions. We're pleased that the budget incorporates this sound policy of 100 percent auctions.
"We have to pay special attention to how the United States spends revenue from auctioning emissions allowances. That funding should be used to strengthen the economy, help consumers deal with energy costs, deploy renewable energy technologies, help people adapt to climate change, and protect tropical forests, which are key to reducing emissions.
"The proposed budget assumes the United States will reduce heat-trapping emissions 14 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. This long-term target will help avoid the worst effects of global warming, but a deeper short-term cut would more effectively respond to the urgency of the latest science and encourage even greater investment in clean energy technologies. Additionally, a more aggressive short-term target would help bring other countries on board an effective international agreement.
"We look forward to working with the administration and members of Congress to craft effective legislation that will give us and our children a safer, healthier climate."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
