I missed this last week — and one can argue about how significant this stream of never-to-be-brought-to-the-floor bills really is anyway — but nonetheless, check out Sen. Jeffords’ Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act. Here are the highlights:
· 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.
It has eight co-sponsors, all Democrats. (If only we had a third party to, you know, co-co-sponsor these things …)
(via ED)
