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Global Warming Work Heats Up

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 5, 2008

The epic debate over global warming enters a new chapter: The U.S. Senate is considering landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It won't become law while George Bush is president, but it will lay a foundation for the next administration. Sens. John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton all have supported mandatory cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

America's Climate Security Act is sponsored by Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.; John Warner, R-Va.; and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. It would require the United States to cut emissions 19 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 and 71 percent by 2050 through a national cap-and-trade system, allowing companies that quickly cut carbon emissions to sell credits to others that need more time.

In the House this week, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., plans to introduce a more aggressive bill to cut emissions 85 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, also through a market for emissions credits.

Scientists say the United States must cut emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of global warming. Environmentalists argue that mandatory steps are needed; critics say broad mandates will damage the economy - but what's the alternative?

The challenge of climate change is to avert disaster for future generations. At least major legislation is now on the table.

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