Bipartisan Senate 'Framework' for Climate Bill Pushes Jobs and 'Energy Independence,' While 'Cap-and-Refund' Would Avoid Trading Through Auction of 'Carbon Shares'

摘要

Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C), and Joe Lieberman (l-Conn.) drafted "a framework for climate action and energy independence" for consideration by President Barack Obama on his way to the United Nations (UN) climate meetings in Copenhagen. Matching the Administration's goals, the framework features a near-term pollution reduction target "in the range" of 17% below 2005 levels as well as a long-term target of about 80% below 2005 levels. The three admitted the sketchy nature of their compromise plan, calling it a "starting point" and "work in progress."