Upon the introduction of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, or S.1733, by Democratic Senator John Kerry and Independent Joe Lieberman, it has become apparent that Senate Republicans, such as Lindsey Graham, who are in favor of the proposed legislation, are not willing to take a vote on what should be a nonpartisan bill before the November election comes to pass. In addition, for political cover, these same politicians are using the BP oil spill as the excuse to delay debate on the issue, which is ironic because the bill should be amended to contain provisions to address the prevention of future spills through investment in alternative energy resources and better standards for protecting our oceans and fishing communities. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at the details and the prospects of the bill becoming law this year.
The bill contains numerous provisions aimed at reducing US greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions by 20% by 2020 and 83% by 2050, while also setting up a cap and trade system to set standards for GHS emission allowances. In addition, the bill sets up several new offices to develop new technologies and methods to harness power safely and to advocate on behalf of consumer’s energy needs. These include the creation of the Carbon Storage Research Corporation, an Office of Consumer Advocacy within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a Strategic Interagency Board on International Climate Investment, a Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Panel, and a National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center within the United States Geological Survey. These new offices and panels will work with the guidance and framework of new target programs, such as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Incentives Program, to create the foundation necessary to implement a complex set of new environmental policies.
Despite the grim prospects of Republican cooperation in the passing of the bill this year, the formal introduction of the bill by two Senate power players will undoubtedly put the spotlight on the environment precisely at a time where oil is spilling uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico. This legislation, despite desperate calls for comprehensive immigration reform, may end up taking precedent in light of the disaster at hand. Americans have received a wakeup call; we are not doing enough to regulate potential hazards to our natural food sources, specifically our oceans and forests, and the greater environment we depend on for survival. Though the debate may be delayed until the full nature of the BP oil spill is determined, the fact that this bill has been proposed at this particular time is itself significant. Republicans have a tough pill to swallow if they want to be seen as caring about the impact of our human activities. It will take real cooperation with a President and Democratic Congress who they refuse to give a legislative victory to, no matter how much or how little they may agree on the pressing matter at hand.
As the oil disaster makes it way ashore in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Texas, and elsewhere, pressure is sure to mount in favor of passing legislation, aimed at curbing, and eventually ending our dependency on international oil sources. Obviously, it is not in the interest of big oil, or its investors and workers, to be left out of the future energy markets that will inevitably transpire as time passes. The inclusion of provisions aimed to help direct these companies into a more efficient, cleaner, and greener future, will be of the utmost importance with regards to the cooperation of all players in moving forward our national environmental policy. The provisions in this moderate bill go beyond any one spill or the implementation of cap and trade laws. This legislation will once again put America on track to become a worldwide leader in the developing industries of tomorrow, and the energy solutions we must develop, test, and begin to implement today.
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