Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007

Background
On January 15, 2007, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) introduced the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007 (S.309). It was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Summary
The measure was intended to increase performance standards for electricity generation and motor vehicles with the option of an emissions "cap and trade" system. The emissions cap would begin in 2010 with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. The legislation would also provide funding for R&D on geologic sequestration, among other projects; set emissions standards for new vehicles and a renewable fuels requirement for gasoline beginning in 2016; establish energy efficiency and renewable portfolio standards beginning in 2008 and low-carbon electric generation standards beginning in 2016 for electric utilities; and require periodic evaluations by the National Academy of Sciences to determine whether emissions targets are adequate.

Support, opposition and critiques
Environmental Defense called the bill one that "could jump start the needed emissions cuts" in the U.S., and commented that it would "cap and reduce tons of heat-trapping gases, and would do so at the levels and within the time frames demanded by the science." It added, however, that like all bills, it has its pluses and minuses.

The measure was supported by a variety of other environmental groups, including Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The Sierra Club emphasized that reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 would greatly help stabilize global temperatures and contain carbon dioxide atmospheric concentrations.

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Related SourceWatch articles

 * Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
 * climate change
 * global warming
 * Kyoto Protocol