News
Coleman backs bill aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER, Associated Press Writer
May 21, 2007
WASHINGTON- Sen. Norm Coleman announced Monday night he was signing on as a co-sponsor of far-reaching legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Coleman's decision came after the bill's sponsor agreed to support changes that address Coleman's concerns about the impact on the economy.
Coleman, R-Minn., signed on to legislation by Sens. Joe Lieberman and John McCain, the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act, which they say will drop greenhouse gas emission levels by 2050 to one-third the 2004 levels. The bill also requires releases of greenhouse gases to return to 2004 levels by 2012.
In return, Lieberman agreed to work to include provisions supported by Coleman that would trigger a mandatory congressional review if other countries aren't taking comparable action, and if the unemployment and poverty rates rise due to a mandatory greenhouse gas reductions. Lieberman, I-Conn., also agreed to support Coleman's proposal to reward utilities that increase the percentage of electricity they produce from clean energy sources.
In an pre-arranged exchange with Lieberman on the Senate floor, Coleman said that a "preponderance of evidence" shows that the burning of fossil fuels is leading to a dangerous increase in global temperatures.
But he added: "I refuse to look at this, or any other issue, without considering the effect it will have on those who are trying to support their family, the elderly struggling to survive on a fixed income."
Coleman said that he's been working with Lieberman for the past few months on a way to meet his concerns.
"Today, we have arrived at that agreement," he said.
Coleman became the 10th senator to co-sponsor the legislation, and the fourth Republican behind McCain of Arizona and Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe. Coleman voted against an earlier version of the Lieberman-McCain bill in 2005.
His support for the legislation could help him with environmentally conscious voters in Minnesota, where he faces a tough re-election campaign next year.
"Sen. Coleman is stepping forward today as the vanguard of the next, crucial wave of bipartisan support in the Senate for strong climate stewardship legislation," Lieberman said.
He added that Coleman's support for the bill will demonstrate that "there is no conflict between protecting our world and all who live in it from catastrophic climate change and protecting America's economy, America's consumers and America's workers. We can, must, and will do both."
Environmental groups praised Coleman.
"It is an extremely positive development, because it shows that the ranks of those calling for action are growing," said Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch. "It's clear there is bipartisan support to put real limits on global warming emissions. From what I understand, he has been exploring different ideas over the past few months. It sounds like he wants to be on the right side."
Kelly Scanlan, state coordinator of the Minnesota Natural Legacy Campaign, said she was excited by Coleman's support.
"We applaud Sen. Coleman's leadership on this issue, and for setting an example for other senators to follow," she said. "This is great for Minnesota, and great for climate change."