UCS Supports Scientific Integrity Provisions of Senate Climate Bill
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
Environment and Public Works Committee
410 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-6175
Dear Chairman Boxer,
We are writing on behalf of our more than two hundred thousand members and activists throughout the country to thank you for your leadership on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (the Act). This Act jump-starts crucially needed action in the Senate to address the challenge of global warming. We recognize and thank you for provisions in this comprehensive legislation that will enhance this nation’s climate and energy policies for years to come.
As one of the nation's leading science advocacy groups we are particularly thankful for the provisions you’ve included that will ensure that the best science informs this policy. In particular, these provisions will:
Ensure the Scientific Integrity of Advisory Committees: The Act recognizes that all its advisory committees play a crucial role in giving federal agencies the guidance they need to implement a science-based comprehensive climate policy that serves the American public, not special interests. The Act includes language that directs agencies to name non-conflicted experts to advisory panels whenever possible. Additionally, it requires that comprehensive information about advisory panels be part of the public record and accessible via the Internet. The Environmental and Public Works Committee should retain this language as it proceeds to a Senate floor vote because it is essential to effective, transparent and accountable implementation of this legislation.
Provide for Rapid Response to New Science: The Act contains a provision that requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review technological advancements and make recommendations to the Administration. NAS would also be charged with conducting a science review if the EPA hasn't done it. In response to the NAS recommendations, the EPA and other agencies would be required to adjust certain aspects of the policy. If the latest science indicates that we must accelerate or deepen reductions, the President is required to propose legislative changes for Congress to consider. The Environment and Public Works Committee should retain this language and strengthen it by requiring Congress to quickly take up legislation to deepen emissions reductions proposed by the President, or by allowing EPA to alter the emissions reduction requirement directly.
Set a Strong Short-term Target: The Act aims to reduce global warming pollution by 20 percent from 2005 levels by the year 2020, and 83 percent by 2050, compared with the House’s 17-percent goal by the same date. The Act would also provide five percent of carbon allowance funds to tropical forest protection, which could provide an additional 10-percent reduction in worldwide global warming pollution. As the bill proceeds through the Environment and Public Works Committee to the Senate floor, the 2020 target and five percent of allowance funds for tropical forest protection should be retained.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is pleased to support this legislation. We look forward to working with you to ensure that it moves quickly out of committee and advances the crucial work that Congress and the White House must do to show the world that we are serious about meeting our responsibilities to ensure the environmental, economic and political security of the planet.
Sincerely,
Kevin Knobloch
President
Union of Concerned Scientists
