Joe Lieberman says that comprehensive climate legislation in the Senate is more likely this session than people think (sub. rqd.), and that debate will probably get underway later this year or early next. But the reason he gives isn't exactly comforting:
The Connecticut independent said U.S. industry has shifted on the global warming debate and is ready for regulation.
"They want the rules of the road to be set by a Congress with the current political makeup," he said. "And they want the rules of the road to be set by an administration that is viewed as a friend of fossil-fuel industries. As a sign of this shift, several of the large, carbon-heavy businesses that have remained aloof for years are now coming into my office to engage on specifics."
In other words, climate legislation's going to pass because industry is worried that Congress is going to get more progressive after the 2008 election, so they want to act now while they still have a sizeable corporatist bloc there to advance their interests. Awesome.
John McCain’s troubles are the world’s troubles
George Voinovich (R-Ohio) [UPDATED]
Al Franken (D-Minn.)
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Liz Borkowski Posted 5:27 am
28 Sep 2007
This New York Times article listed "toys and cars, antifreeze and fireworks, popcorn and produce and cigarettes and light bulbs" as the major industries now pushing for more rules.
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Billhook Posted 8:13 pm
28 Sep 2007
In reality, it cannot usefully even write the rules for what is to be done within US borders without first knowing, in detail, what is required of it by the international community as its part in the forthcoming "Treaty of the Atmospheric Commons."
What could be written at this stage is a further set of potential obstacles to the achievement of that global treaty.
From this perspective, well-intentioned US politicians should be extremely cautious in bills' drafting, and should, as the priority, be engaged with the Indian, African and European diplomatic promoters of the "Contraction & Convergence" framework for the requisite treaty.
With that as their basic format, US politicians could at least avoid doing more harm than good.
Regards,
Bill
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