Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Congressional research reportNov 7, 2008
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Climate Change Legislation in the
110th Congress
-name redactedAnalyst in Environmental Policy
-name redactedSpecialist in Energy and Environmental Policy
November 7, 2008
Congressional Research Service
7-....
www.crs.gov
RL34067
CRS Report for Congress
Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Summary
Congressional interest in climate change legislation has grown in recent years. In the 110th
Congress, Members have introduced numerous bills that directly address various aspects of
climate change. These bills cover a wide spectrum, ranging from climate change research to
comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap-and-trade programs. As of the date of this
report, Congress has enacted six broader pieces of legislation that—among many other nonclimate-related provisions—address climate change in some fashion:
P.L. 110-140 expands the carbon capture research and development program, requires a national
assessment of geologic storage capacity for CO2, and supports technologies for the large-scale
capture of CO2 from industrial sources. The act also establishes an Office of Climate Change and
the Environment to coordinate research and implement strategies to address climate changerelated transportation issues.
P.L. 110-161 directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop regulations that
establish a mandatory GHG reporting program that applies “above appropriate thresholds in all
sectors of the economy.”
P.L. 110-181 directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to assess the risks of projected climate
change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
P.L. 110-229 requires the Secretary of Energy, when reviewing research and development
activities for possible inclusion in the steel research and development initiative, to expand the
plan in order to consider among steel project priorities the development of technologies that
reduce GHG emissions.
P.L. 110-246 directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish technical guidelines to
“measure the environmental services benefits from conservation and land management activities
in order to facilitate the participation of farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in emerging
environmental services markets.” USDA is to give priority to carbon markets.
P.L. 110-343 provides a tax credit for select (geologic) carbon sequestration activities. In addition,
the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is “to identify the types of and specific tax provisions
that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the
magnitude of those effects.” NAS is to report its findings to Congress by October 3, 2010.
This report briefly discusses the basic concepts on which climate change bills are based, and
compares major provisions of the bills in each of the following categories: climate change
research; emissions reduction technologies; U.S. actions pursuant to international emission
reduction agreements; adaptation to the effects of climate change; GHG reporting and
registration; and GHG emissions reduction programs.
Congressional Research Service
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................1
Climate Change Research and Studies .........................................................................................3
Deployment of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technology...............................................................3
International Agreements ............................................................................................................3
Adaptation Bills ..........................................................................................................................4
Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Registry Bills .............................................................................4
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Bills ..................................................................................4
Sector-Specific Reduction Bills.............................................................................................5
Comprehensive GHG Emissions Reductions .........................................................................5
Appendixes
Appendix A. Major Focus Areas of Climate Change Bills and Enacted Legislation in the
110th Congress .........................................................................................................................6
Appendix B. Key Provisions of Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress .................... 13
Contacts
Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 35
Congressional Research Service
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Introduction
In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced numerous bills that would directly or indirectly
address climate change. This report describes and compares bills that directly address climate
change, as opposed to those that primarily address other issues (e.g., energy efficiency and
conservation) but could have ancillary impacts on climate.1 In some cases, it is difficult to draw a
line between direct and indirect climate change bills, because a specific bill or action may seek to
achieve multiple objectives.
This report focuses on legislative actions—including comprehensive bills with individual climate
change titles or sections—that explicitly address climate change issues. These bills fall into six
major categories: (1) research on the causes and effects of climate change and on methods to
measure and predict climate change; (2) deployment of emission-reducing technologies in the
United States or other countries; (3) requirements for U.S. participation in international climate
agreements; (4) investments in systems to adapt to changes in climate; (5) establishment of
greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring systems as a basis for research or for any potential reduction
program; and (6) implementation of mandatory GHG emission reduction programs. These
categories are not mutually exclusive, and several bills address more than one of the above
categories.
There has been considerable interest in climate change issues in the 110th Congress. As of the date
of this report, Members have introduced more than 100 bills that would directly address climate
change issues. Congress has enacted six legislation proposals that address climate change to some
degree:
•
P.L. 110-140: The President signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007 December 19, 2007. Among other provisions, some of which indirectly
address GHG emissions, this act amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to
expand the carbon capture research and development program. It also directs the
Department of the Interior to conduct a national assessment of geologic storage
capacity for carbon dioxide (CO2), and instructs the Department of Energy to
implement a program to demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of
CO2 from industrial sources of CO2.2 In addition, the act establishes within the
Department of Transportation an Office of Climate Change and the Environment
to coordinate research and implement strategies to address transportation issues
associated with climate change.
•
P.L. 110-161: The President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008
into law December 26, 2007. Among other provisions, this statute directs EPA to
promulgate regulations that require mandatory reporting of GHG emissions
“above appropriate thresholds in all sectors of the economy.” The act directs EPA
to develop the proposed rule by September 2008 and the final rule by June 2009.
In addition, the act instructs NOAA to work with the National Academy of
Sciences to establish a Climate Change Study Committee that will study climate
1
Congressional resolutions that address climate change-related issues, but do not directly call for action on greenhouse
gas emissions, are likewise not included in this report.
2
See CRS Report RL33801, Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), by (name redacted).
Congressional Research Service
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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
change issues and make recommendations regarding climate change mitigation
strategies.
•
P.L. 110-181: On January 28, 2008, the President signed the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. In addition to many non-climate related
provisions, the act directs the Department of Defense to assess the risks of
projected climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
•
P.L. 110-229: On May 8, 2008, the President signed the Consolidated Natural
Resources Act of 2008. Among other provisions, the act requires the Secretary of
Energy, when reviewing research and development activities for possible
inclusion in the steel research and development initiative, to expand the plan in
order to consider among steel project priorities the development of technologies
that reduce GHG emissions.
•
P.L. 110-246: On June 18, 2008, Congress enacted (overriding the President’s
veto) the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act.3 Among many other provisions,
the act (Section 2709) directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish
technical guidelines to “measure the environmental services benefits from
conservation and land management activities in order to facilitate the
participation of farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in emerging
environmental services markets.” USDA is to give priority to carbon markets.4
•
P.L. 110-343: On October 3, 2008, the President signed the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008. Among many other provisions, the legislation provides
a tax credit for select (geologic) carbon sequestration activities. In addition, the
act directs the Department of Treasury to enter into an agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to “undertake a comprehensive review of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to identify the types of and specific tax
provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other greenhouse gas
emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects.” NAS is to report its
findings to Congress by October 3, 2010.
In addition to enacted legislation, the House and Senate have passed several bills. Numerous bills
have been reported out of committees. These bills address a range of climate change topics. These
topics are discussed briefly below.
Appendix A categorizes the bills and enacted legislation by the topics discussed below.
Appendix B provides a brief summary of each bill’s provisions and status in the legislative
process.
3
The legislative proposals that led to P.L. 110-246 are not included in the appendixes of this report. For more
information, see CRS Report RL34696, The 2008 Farm Bill: Major Provisions and Legislative Action, by (name
redacted) et al.
4
See CRS Report RL34042, Environmental Services Markets in the 2008 Farm Bill, by (name redacted).
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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Climate Change Research and Studies
Global climate change is a complex issue. While most scientists agree that the climate is changing
in response to GHG emissions, uncertainties concerning the causes and effects of climate change
remain and are a continuing subject of extensive scientific research.5 These uncertainties include
the potential effects on natural systems, as well as effects on social and political systems. Further,
research is ongoing regarding technologies that improve efficiency, reduce fossil fuel
consumption, and capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Deployment of Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Technology
One approach to addressing climate change is to promote the deployment and diffusion of
technologies to reduce GHG emissions, such as carbon capture and storage (or sequestration).
Within the legislative proposals, there are different methods of promoting technology
deployment. One deployment strategy may involve tax incentives for investment in technologies
to improve efficiency and/or lower emissions. Other deployment strategies would provide grants,
loans, and other incentives for technology transfer to developing countries.
In the 110th Congress, some bills deal solely with technology deployment through tax incentives
for lower-carbon technology or grants to develop and deploy carbon capture and sequestration, or
through requirements that the federal government use technology with lower emissions. Other
bills that create mandatory GHG reduction programs also include technology deployment as one
component.
International Agreements
The United States ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) in 1992. Five years later, the United States signed the convention’s Kyoto Protocol,
but it was never submitted to the Senate for ratification.6 In 2001, President George W. Bush
rejected the Kyoto Protocol and withdrew the United States from subsequent negotiations. Since
that time, the United States has entered into other cooperative agreements, including the AsiaPacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate. This partnership focuses on voluntary
action by member states to promote cleaner technology and related goals. However, U.S.
participation in discussions over binding agreements has been limited.
5
For more information on the science and policy of global climate change, see CRS Report RL33849, Climate Change:
Science and Policy Implications, by (name redacted).
6
President Clinton did not submit the Protocol to the Senate for advice and consent because the Senate was on record
in mid-1997 (S.Res. 98), objecting to a treaty that had no mandatory obligations for developing countries. For more
discussion, see CRS Report RL33826, Climate Change: The Kyoto Protocol, Bali “Action Plan,” and International
Actions, by (name redacted) and (name redacted).
Congressional Research Service
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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Adaptation Bills
Some critics of GHG regulation argue that the effects on global GHG concentrations—and
consequently the effects on climate—from any reduction scheme will be limited. Some therefore
contend that investment should focus on preparing communities and systems to adapt to the
effects of a changing climate. This notion is shared by some proponents of GHG regulation, who
argue that because of earlier greenhouse gas emissions, some level of warming will occur
regardless of mitigation activity. Those stakeholders support adaptation initiatives in concert with
mitigation efforts.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Registry Bills
Pursuant to the UNFCCC, the United States publishes annual reports on its GHG emissions.7 The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports this information using various techniques
(e.g., fuel analysis for CO2). The 2005 emissions estimates indicate that the three dominant
sources of GHG emissions are electricity generation (33%), transportation (28%), and industry
(19%).8
At the national level, the 1990 Clean Air Act requires most electric utilities to report their GHG
emissions, but there is no overall national GHG reporting requirement. However, some states also
gather data through voluntary registries or mandatory GHG emissions reporting mechanisms.9
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Bills
The United States has no federal GHG reduction requirements, although there have been
proposals to require such reductions.10 These proposals include “command and control”
regulations and market-based techniques to limit emissions. Market-based programs typically
take as their model the Clean Air Act’s acid rain program, which employs a cap-and-trade design
to control several air pollutants.11
Cap-and-trade systems set strict limits on specific emissions from a particular group of sources.
Sources may reduce their own emissions or purchase credits (i.e., trade) from other sources that
have reduced emissions below their individual allotment. This flexibility in who makes
reductions can lead to lower costs. In an efficient market, entities that face relatively low
emission-reduction costs would have an incentive to achieve extra emission reductions, because
7
These reports are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, and are available at http://epa.gov/climatechange/
emissions/index.html.
8
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Inventory of U.S. GHG Emissions and Sinks 1990-2005, p. ES-14. Additional
sources are agriculture (8%), commerce (6%), and residential activities (5%).
9
For more information, see CRS Report RL33812, Climate Change: Action by States to Address Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, by (name redacted).
10
President Bush has articulated the goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions intensity—the ratio of GHG
emissions to economic output. However, that goal is voluntary, not mandatory.
11
For more discussion of the different emission reduction policy options, see CRS Report RL33799, Climate Change:
Design Approaches for a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, by (name redacted).
Congressional Research Service
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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
these additional reductions could be sold to entities that face higher emission-reduction costs. An
entity facing higher costs could purchase allowances that would allow it to emit more than its
initial emissions allotment. Total U.S. emissions may decrease or increase, depending on the
entities covered, the GHGs controlled, and the emissions trading schemes. In the 110th Congress,
some bills cover just the electric utility sector, while others cover most or all emissions
throughout the economy. 12
Another market-based option is to establish a “carbon tax”—a direct tax on GHG emissions or on
the fuels that generate emissions when combusted. To the extent that emissions reductions can be
achieved at costs lower than the tax rate, those reductions will be undertaken; if emissions
reductions are more expensive, covered entities would opt to pay the tax. In this way, there is an
upper limit to the cost of the control program. 13
Sector-Specific Reduction Bills
Members have introduced several bills in the 110th Congress that would control emissions from
only the electric utility sector. The rationale for such a policy is that electricity generation emits
the highest percentage of GHGs by sector, and the number of covered sources would be relatively
small compared to other sectors (e.g., transportation). Moreover, power plants have experience
with reporting (if not reducing) their CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act.
Sector-specific bills generally fall into two categories: (1) bills that would control only GHGs and
(2) bills that would control both GHGs and other pollutants such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and
nitrogen oxides. This latter category of bills is generally referred to as “multi-pollutant”
legislation.14
Comprehensive GHG Emissions Reductions
A broader approach is to require emission reductions from multiple economic sectors. Several
bills in the 110th Congress would apply to most or all U.S. GHG emissions. These bills are often
described as an “economy-wide” GHG reduction approach. These bills vary in their coverage:
some bills cover the most high-emitting sectors (e.g., electricity generation, industry, and
transportation) while excluding other sectors (e.g., residential and commercial); other bills grant
EPA broad authority to establish regulations to reduce the most emissions at the lowest cost.
12
For detailed information on GHG reduction bills, see CRS Report RL33846, Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Cap-andTrade Bills in the 110th Congress, by (name redacted), (name redacted), and (name redacted).
13
A hybrid of cap-and-trade and carbon tax schemes would require tradeable emissions permits, but establish a “safety
valve” price. In this case, if the market value of a permit remains below a set price—the safety valve—the emissions
targets will be achieved at low cost. If prices rise above the safety valve, covered entities can purchase an unlimited
number of permits from the government. In this way, the overall price to covered entities—and the economy—is
limited, but specific emission reduction targets may not be reached. However, no such bills have been introduced in the
110th Congress.
14
For more information on multi-pollutant bills, see CRS Report RL34018, Air Quality: Multi-Pollutant Legislation in
the 110th Congress, by (name redacted) and (name redacted).
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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Appendix A. Major Focus Areas of Climate Change Bills and Enacted
Legislation in the 110th Congress
Technology
Deployment
Climate Change Research
Bill Number and
Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Domestic
Foreign
GHG Reductions
International
Agreements
Adaptation
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
EconomyWide
SectorSpecific
ENACTED LEGISLATION
P.L. 110-140
P.L. 110-161
X
X
P.L. 110-181
X
X
X
X
P.L. 110-229
X
P.L. 110-246
X
P.L. 110-343
X
X
SENATE BILLS
H.R. 6 - Senate
Version (Reid)
X
X
S. 183
(Stevens)
X
S. 280
(Lieberman)
S. 309
(Sanders)
X
X
S. 317
(Feinstein)
S. 485
(Kerry)
CRS-6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MultiPollutant
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Technology
Deployment
Climate Change Research
Bill Number and
Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
S. 962
(Bingaman)
S. 1018
(Durbin)
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Domestic
X
X
International
Agreements
Adaptation
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
X
S. 1072
(Stevens)
X
S. 1073
(Feinstein)
X
S. 1168
(Alexander)
X
S. 1201
(Sanders)
MultiPollutant
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 1321
(Bingaman)
X
X
S. 1324
(Obama)
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 1387
(Klobuchar)
X
S. 1411
(Lautenberg)
X
CRS-7
SectorSpecific
X
S. 1297
(Boxer)
S. 1419
(Reid)
EconomyWide
X
S. 1059
(Clinton)
S. 1177
(Carper)
Foreign
GHG Reductions
X
X
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Technology
Deployment
Climate Change Research
Bill Number and
Sponsor
S. 1424
(Schumer)
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Domestic
Foreign
GHG Reductions
International
Agreements
Adaptation
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
X
S. 1547
(Levin)
X
S. 1554
(Collins)
X
S. 1581
(Lautenberg)
X
X
X
X
S. 1602
(Hagel)
X
X
X
S. 1696
(Feinstein)
X
S. 1766
(Bingaman)
S. 2155
(Byrd)
15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X15
X
X
This bill would not create a GHG reduction program, but would limit the costs of such a program if enacted through other legislation.
CRS-8
MultiPollutant
X
X
X
S. 1538
(Rockefeller)
S. 2149
(Dorgan)
SectorSpecific
X
S. 1508
(Dorgan)
S. 1874
(Landrieu)
EconomyWide
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Technology
Deployment
Climate Change Research
GHG Reductions
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Domestic
S. 2191
(Lieberman)
X
X
X
X
S. 2204
(Whitehouse)
X
X
S. 2211
(Whitehouse)
X
X
S. 2307
(Kerry)
X
S. 2355
(Cantwell)
X
Bill Number and
Sponsor
X
Foreign
International
Agreements
X
X
Adaptation
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
EconomyWide
X
X
X
X
X
S. 2423
(Feinstein)
X16
S. 2739
(Bingaman)
S. 3036
(Boxer)
X
X
X
X
X
X
S.Res. 30
(Biden)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
HOUSE BILLS
H.R. 620
(Olver)
X
X
H.R. 823
(Welch)
H.R. 906
(Udall)
16
X
X
X
X
X
X
This bill would not create a GHG reduction program, but would supplement a market-based emission trading program enacted by Congress.
CRS-9
SectorSpecific
MultiPollutant
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Technology
Deployment
Climate Change Research
Bill Number and
Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
H.R. 1126
(Lipinski)
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Domestic
International
Agreements
Adaptation
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
EconomyWide
SectorSpecific
X
X
X
X
H.R. 1215
(Rogers)
X
H.R. 1451
(Lungren)
X
H.R. 1507
(McDermott)
Foreign
GHG Reductions
X
H.R. 1585
(Skelton)
X
H.R. 1590
(Waxman)
X
H.R. 1691
(Markey)
X
H.R. 1933
(Udall)
X
X
H.R. 2069
(Stark)
X17
H.R. 2082
(Reyes)
H.R. 2144
(DeLauro)
X
X
H.R. 2215
(Inslee)
17
This bill uses a carbon tax approach. Other economy-wide GHG reduction bills would establish or authorize a cap-and-trade system.
CRS-10
X
MultiPollutant
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Technology
Deployment
Climate Change Research
Bill Number and
Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
H.R. 2337
(Rahall)
X
H.R. 2338
(Dicks)
X
H.R. 2342
(Allen)
X
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Domestic
GHG Reductions
Foreign
International
Agreements
X
X
Adaptation
EconomyWide
SectorSpecific
X
H.R. 2420
(Lantos)
H.R. 2447
(Wynn)
X
H.R. 2483
(Hall)
X
H.R. 2556
(Wilson)
X
H.R. 2635
(Waxman)
X
X
X
H.R. 2651
(Engel)
X
H.R. 3031
(Inslee)
X
H.R. 3093
(Mollohan)
X
X
H.R. 3221
(Pelosi)
X
X
CRS-11
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
X
X
X
X
MultiPollutant
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Climate Change Research
Bill Number and
Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Natural
Systems
Effects on
Social and
Political
Systems
Emission
Mitigation
Techniques
Technology
Deployment
Domestic
Foreign
GHG Reductions
International
Agreements
Adaptation
GHG
Reporting
/ Registry
H.R. 3416
(Larson)
X
H.R. 3448
(Waxman)
X
X
X
X
H.R. 4226
(Gilchrest)
X
X
X
X
H.R. 4986
(Skelton)
X
H.R. 6186
(Markey)
X
X
X
X
H.R. 6316
(Doggett)
X
X
X
X
H.Con.Res. 96
(Dicks)
X
X
This bill uses a carbon tax approach. Other economy-wide GHG reduction bills would establish or authorize a cap-and-trade system.
CRS-12
X
X
X
X
18
MultiPollutant
X
H.R. 3989
(McHugh)
H.Con.Res. 104
(Carnahan)
SectorSpecific
X18
H.R. 3274
(Israel)
H.R. 4174
(Allen)
EconomyWide
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Appendix B. Key Provisions of Climate Change Legislation in the
110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
ENACTED LEGISLATION
P.L. 110-140
Renewable Fuels,
Consumer
Protection, and
Energy Efficiency
Act of 2007
Signed into law
December 19, 2007
Among other provisions, many of which indirectly address greenhouse gas emissions, amends the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the carbon capture research and development program;
directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a national assessment of geologic storage
capacity for carbon dioxide (CO2); instructs the Department of Energy to implement a program to
demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of CO2 from industrial sources of CO2;
establishes within the Department of Transportation an Office of Climate Change and the
Environment to coordinate research and implement strategies to address transportation issues
associated with climate change.
P.L. 110-161
Consolidated
Appropriations
Act, 2008
Signed into law
December 26, 2007
Directs the EPA to issue regulations requiring mandatory reporting of GHG emissions “above
appropriate thresholds in all sectors of the economy;” the proposed rule and final rule must be
published nine months (i.e., by September 2008) and 18 months (i.e., June 2009) after the date of
the statute’s enactment;
Instructs NOAA to work with the National Academy of Sciences to establish a Climate Change
Study Committee that will study climate change issues and make recommendations regarding
climate change mitigation strategies.
P.L. 110-181
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2008
Signed into law
January 28, 2008
Among other provisions, requires the Department of Defense to assess the risks of projected
climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
P.L. 110-229
Consolidated
Natural Resources
Act of 2008
Signed into law May
8, 2008
Among other provisions, requires the Secretary of Energy, when reviewing research and
development activities for possible inclusion in the steel research and development initiative, to
expand the plan in order to consider among steel project priorities the development of
technologies which reduce GHG emissions.
P.L. 110-246
Food,
Conservation, and
Energy Act19
Congress enacted
(overriding the
President’s veto)
June 18, 2008
Among many other provisions, directs the Department of Agriculture to establish technical
guidelines to “measure the environmental services benefits from conservation and land management
activities in order to facilitate the participation of farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in
emerging environmental services markets.” USDA is to give priority to carbon markets.
19
The legislative proposals that led to P.L. 110-246 are not included in the appendixes of this report. For more information, see CRS Report RL34696, The 2008 Farm Bill: Major
(continued...)
CRS-13
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
P.L. 110-343
Short Title
Emergency
Economic
Stabilization Act of
2008
Major Actions
Signed into law
October 3, 2008
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Among many other provisions, offers a tax credit for select (geologic) carbon sequestration
activities; directs the Department of Treasury to enter into an agreement with National Academy
of Sciences to “undertake a comprehensive review of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to identify
the types of and specific tax provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other
greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects;: directs NAS to report
findings to Congress two years after enactment (October 3, 2010).
SENATE BILLS
H.R. 6
(Senate
Version)20
Reid
Renewable Fuels,
Consumer
Protection, and
Energy Efficiency
Act of 2007
Proposed June 12,
2007; passed the
Senate June 21,
2007; signed into
law December 19,
2007 (P.L. 110-140)
(companion to H.R.
3221)
Among other provisions, many of which indirectly address greenhouse gas emissions, amends the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the carbon capture research and development program;
directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a national assessment of geologic storage
capacity for carbon dioxide (CO2); instructs the Department of Energy to implement a program to
demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of CO2 from industrial sources of CO2;
establishes within the Department of Transportation an Office of Climate Change and the
Environment to coordinate research and implement strategies to address transportation issues
associated with climate change.
S. 183
Stevens
Improved
Passenger
Automobile Fuel
Economy Act of
2007
Introduced January
4, 2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
Among other provisions, requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a voluntary greenhouse
gas (GHG) registry system.
S. 280
Lieberman
Climate
Stewardship and
Innovation Act of
2007
Introduced January
12, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that covers the electric power,
transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors (accounting for about 85% of U.S. GHG
emissions); the cap would take effect in 2012 and would decline further in 2020, 2030, and 2050; by
2050, the emissions cap would decline to 60% below 1990 levels.
(companion to H.R.
620)
Calls for research on abrupt climate change and the impact of climate change on the world’s poor,
among others, and creation of a national GHG database; establishes a new program to develop
Innovation Infrastructure, along with program initiatives to promote less carbon-intensive
technology (such as nuclear energy), adaptation, sequestration, and related activities; requires
periodic review of target adequacy by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, who oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
(...continued)
Provisions and Legislative Action.
20
The House passed H.R. 6 January 18, 2007, but the House version does not contain research provisions regarding carbon capture and storage.
CRS-14
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
S. 309
S. 317
S. 485
S. 962
CRS-15
Sponsor
Sanders
Feinstein
Kerry
Bingaman
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Global Warming
Pollution Reduction
Act
Introduced January
16, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates an economy-wide GHG cap that would take effect in 2010 and decline annually, reaching
1990 levels by 2020; with subsequent annual cap declines, cap would fall to 80% below 1990 levels
by 2050; EPA has the discretion to employ a market-based approach (e.g., cap-and-trade system).
Electric Utility Cap
and Trade Act of
2007
Introduced January
17, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates a GHG cap-and-trade program that applies to electric generating facilities of more than 25
megawatts (MW); the emissions cap for the covered sources would decline each year.
Global Warming
Reduction Act of
2007
Introduced February
1, 2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Finance
Creates an economy-wide GHG cap-and-trade program that would require emission reductions of
approximately 60% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Department of
Energy Carbon
Capture and
Storage Research,
Development, and
Demonstration Act
of 2007
Introduced March
22, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Energy and Natural
Resources
(companion to H.R.
1933)
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to promote deployment of carbon capture and storage
technology; calls for further research to develop this technology.
Requires mandatory GHG emission standards for vehicles by 2010, for new electric powerplants
that begin operation after December 31, 2011, and a new energy efficiency performance standard;
establishes a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that would require a certain percentage of
electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources; the RPS would increase periodically,
reaching 20% by 2020; sets up a new low-carbon generation requirement and trading program; calls
for a periodic review of target adequacy by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
Establishes a program to encourage offsets from the agricultural sector; requires periodic review of
target adequacy by EPA taking into account the recommendations of the Climate Science Advisory
Panel, a group created by the bill.
Requires GHG emission standards for vehicles by 2010, and a new energy efficiency standard
beginning in 2009; establishes a Renewable Portfolio Standard and credit program; increases biofuel
mandates under the Renewable Fuels Standard, and mandates infrastructure for biofuels; expands
and extends existing tax incentives for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, and
establishes manufacturer tax credit for advanced technology vehicle investment; sets up a new
National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program; requires periodic review of target
adequacy by the NAS.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
S. 1018
Sponsor
Durbin
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Global Climate
Change Security
Oversight Act
Introduced March
28, 2007; referred
to the Senate Select
Committee on
Intelligence
Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National Intelligence
Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such
effects on U.S. national security; directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the
projected impact on military installations, capabilities, and operations of the effects of global climate
change as assessed in the estimate, and to recommend research and analysis needed to further
assess the impacts on the military of global climate change; requires the Secretary of State to report
to Congress on the potential for (1) large migrations of people in countries of strategic interest or
humanitarian concern as a response to changes in climate and the implications for U.S. security
interests; and (2) diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. policy makers as a result of
social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global climate change.
(companion to H.R.
1961)
S. 1059
Clinton
Zero-Emissions
Building Act of
2007
Introduced March
27, 2007, referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Energy and Natural
Resources
Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to instruct the Secretary of Energy to
establish revised federal building energy efficiency performance standards; the standards require (if
life-cycle cost-effective) new federal buildings to meet specifications that would reduce GHG
emissions by specified percentages between FY2007 and FY2030.
S. 1072
Stevens
Federal Agency
Environmental
Responsibility Act
Introduced March
29, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Homeland Security
and Governmental
Affairs
Promotes energy efficiency and GHG reductions from the federal agencies by requiring reductions
of energy intensity; directs each agency to reduce energy intensity by either 3% per year until the
end of FY2014 or 30% by the end of FY2014, relative to the agency’s 2003 baseline.
S. 1073
Feinstein
Clean Fuels and
Vehicles Act of
2007
Introduced March
29, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the life-cycle GHG
emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally those that produce or supply the
fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce the average life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy
delivered to a motor vehicle; by 2015, parties must reduce 3% below a 2007 baseline (determined
by EPA); at subsequent five-year intervals, further 3% reductions (below the preceding year’s
average emissions baseline as determined by EPA) are required; reduction requirements would be
implemented through a credit trading system.
Requires automobile manufacturers to improve the GHG performance of their vehicle fleet; for
model year 2016 vehicles, companies must reduce the fleet average quantity of GHG emissions per
vehicle mile 30% below the 2002 model year baseline.
CRS-16
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
S. 1168
Alexander
Clean Air/Climate
Change Act of
2007
Introduced April 19,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide (CO2); CO2 reductions apply to electricgenerating units (above 25 MW) in the 48 contiguous states; CO2 emissions capped at 2.3 billion
metric tons (tonnes) in 2011, declining to 1.5 billion tonnes in 2025.
S. 1177
Carper
Clean Air Planning
Act of 2007
Introduced April 20,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide (CO2); CO2 reductions apply to electricgenerating units (above 25 MW); CO2 emissions capped at 2.47 billion metric tonnes in 2012,
declining by 1% annually beginning in 2016, and by 1.5% beginning in 2020.
S. 1201
Sanders
Clean Power Act
of 2007
Introduced April 24,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide (CO2); CO2 reductions apply to electric
generating units (above 25 MW); CO2 emissions capped at 2.3 billion metric tons (tonnes) in 2011,
declining to 1.5 billion tonnes in 2025, and incrementally thereafter until 2050.
Introduced May 3,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the life-cycle GHG
emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally those that produce or supply the
fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce the average life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy
delivered to a motor vehicle; by the end of 2011, the average life-cycle GHG emissions must be at
least equal to the 2008 baseline (as determined by EPA), by the end of 2015, 5% below baseline, and
by the end of 2020, 10% below baseline; the reduction program would be implemented through a
credit trading system.
S. 1297
Boxer
Advanced Clean
Fuels Act of 2007
Creates a new Low-Carbon Generation Requirement and credit trading program beginning in 2015;
creates new Energy Efficiency Performance Standard and credit program beginning in 2008; creates
a Renewable Portfolio Standard and credit program, beginning in 2008; requires final geological CO2
disposal standards within six years of enactment and biological sequestration standards within two
years of enactment.
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to reduce life-cycle GHG emissions of
motor fuels; implements reduction requirements through a credit trading system.
CRS-17
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
S. 1321
Sponsor
Bingaman
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Biofuels for Energy
Security and
Transportation Act
of 2007
Introduced May 7,
2007; reported by
the Senate
Committee on
Energy and Natural
Resources May 7,
2007 (S.Rept. 11065)
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by enhancing the carbon capture research and development
program; directs the Department of the Interior to complete a national assessment of geologic
storage capacity for CO2; instructs the Department of Energy to implement a program to
demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of CO2 from industrial sources of CO2.
(companion to H.R.
2556)
S. 1324
Obama
National LowCarbon Fuel
Standard Act of
2007
Introduced May 7,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the life-cycle GHG
emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally those that produce or supply the
fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce average life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to
a motor vehicle; by 2011, the average life-cycle GHG emissions must be substantially equivalent to
the baseline (as determined by EPA and based on average of years 2005-2007), by 2015, 5% below
baseline, and by 2020, 10% below baseline; subject to EPA assessment, further reductions would be
required every subsequent five years beyond 2020; the reduction program would be implemented
through a credit trading system.
S. 1387
Klobuchar
Federal
Greenhouse Gas
Registry Act of
2008
Introduced May 14,
2007; reported (with
an amendment in
the nature of a
substitute) by the
Senate Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
September 24, 2008
(S.Rept. 110-491)
Directs EPA to establish a mandatory GHG inventory, registry, and information system; this would
build upon the statutory requirement included in 110-161 (described above); requires “affected
facilities” to submit quarterly reports to EPA documenting GHG emissions; requires emission
reporting to begin by January 1, 2011.
Introduced May 16,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Amends the Clean Air Act to create a Federal Emissions Inventory Office within EPA to annually
measure and report on the GHG emissions of federal agencies.
S. 1411
CRS-18
Lautenberg
Federal
Government
Greenhouse Gas
Registry Act of
2007
The definition of “affected facility” is similar to the list of covered sources under several cap-andtrade proposals, including S. 2191 and S. 3036.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
S. 1419
Reid
Carbon Capture
and Sequestration
Act of 2007 (Title
III of bill)
Introduced May 17,
2007; [inserted into
S.Amdt. 1502 to
H.R. 6, which
became P.L. 110140]
Among other provisions, amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by enhancing the carbon capture
research and development program; directs the Department of the Interior to complete a national
assessment of geologic storage capacity for CO2; instructs the Department of Energy to implement
a program to demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of CO2 from industrial sources
of CO2.
S. 1424
Schumer
Farm, Nutrition,
and Community
Investment Act of
2007
Introduced May 17,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Finance
Among other provisions, sets up grant program for applicable universities to conduct climate
change research, including the use of land management practices to increase soil carbon
sequestration and the effects on agriculture of increased GHGs and global warming.
S. 1508
Dorgan
Clean Energy
Production Tax
Incentives Act of
2007
Introduced May 24,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Finance
Among other provisions, provides tax incentives for capturing and sequestering CO2 (or reinjecting
it for enhanced oil recovery).
S. 1538
Rockefeller
Intelligence
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2008
Introduced May 31,
2007; reported to
the Senate by the
Select Committee
on Intelligence May
31, 2007 (S.Rept.
110-75); to the
Senate by the
Committee on
Armed Services June
26, 2007 (S.Rept.
110-92);
incorporated into
H.R. 2082 as
amendment
October 3, 2007
(see H.R. 2082 for
status)
Among other provisions, requires Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a
National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change
and the implications of such effects on the national security of the United States.
CRS-19
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
S. 1547
Sponsor
Levin
Short Title
Major Actions
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2008
Introduced June 5,
2007; reported by
the Senate
Committee on
Armed Services June
5, 2007 (S.Rept. 11077); referred to
Select Committee
on Intelligence
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Among other provisions, requires the Department of Defense to assess the risks of projected
climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
(companion to H.R.
1585 and H.R.
4986—the latter
became P.L. 110181)
S. 1554
Collins
Energy
Independence,
Clean Air, and
Climate Security
Act of 2007
Introduced June 6,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Finance
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide (CO2); CO2 reductions apply to electricgenerating units (above 15 MW); CO2 emissions capped at 2.05 billion tons in 2022, with further
declines if the EPA determines the levels “are not reasonably anticipated to protect public health or
welfare or the environment.”
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the life-cycle GHG
emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally those that produce or supply these
fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce the average life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy
delivered to a motor vehicle; by the end of 2011, the average life-cycle GHG emissions must be at
least equal to the 2008 baseline (as determined by EPA), by the end of 2015, 5% below baseline, and
by the end of 2020, 10% below baseline; the reduction program would be implemented through a
credit trading system.
Sets up grant program to support research involving low-carbon fuels; creates a program within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct research regarding abrupt
climate change.
S. 1581
CRS-20
Lautenberg
Federal Ocean
Acidification
Research And
Monitoring Act of
2007
Introduced June 7,
2007; reported by
the Senate
Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
May 22, 2008
(H.Rept. 110-339)
(companion to H.R.
4174)
Directs the President to establish or designate an interagency committee on ocean acidification,
chaired NOAA and comprised of senior representatives from the National Science Foundation,
NASA, USGS, the Fish and Wildlife Service; directs the committee to develop a strategic research
and implementation plan for Federal activities; requires the committee to submit the plan to
Congress 18 months after enactment of legislation; the plan shall include research on the
relationship between GHG emissions and ocean acidification, and the biological and socio-economic
impacts of ocean acidification; creates an ocean acidification program within NOAA to carry out
the plan by overseeing research projects and issuing research grants.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
S. 1602
Sponsor
Hagel
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Clean, Reliable,
Efficient and Secure
Energy Act of 2007
Introduced June 12,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Energy and Natural
Resources
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the voluntary GHG reporting program (Section 1605(b)
of that act) to encourage new and increased voluntary efforts to reduce, avoid, or sequester
emissions of GHGs; directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program that would provide
annual public recognition to persons and entities demonstrating GHG reduction, avoidance, or
sequestration.
Instructs the National Academy of Sciences (under direction of the Department of Energy) to study
the uses, including industrial applications, for captured CO2 other than sequestration, enhanced oil
recovery, or carbon trading.
Directs the Department of the Interior to complete a national assessment of geological storage
capacity for CO2; establishes a Regulatory Reform for Carbon Sequestration Commission that
would identify any regulatory barriers to siting new manufacturing facilities, power plants, and other
necessary infrastructure in close proximity to the potential CO2 storage sites identified in the
national assessment.
S. 1696
Feinstein
Department of the
Interior,
Environment, and
Related Agencies
Appropriations
Act, 2008
Introduced June 26,
2007; reported by
the Senate
Committee on
Appropriations June
26, 2007 (S.Rept.
110-91); included in
H.R. 2764
(Consolidated
Appropriations Act,
2008), which was
signed into law
December 26, 2007
(P.L. 110-161)
Provides funding for EPA to use its existing authority under the Clean Air Act to develop and
publish a rule requiring mandatory reporting of GHG emissions above appropriate thresholds in all
sectors of the economy; the bill requires EPA to publish the final rule no later than December 31,
2008 (date extended in P.L. 110-161).
S. 1766
Bingaman
Low Carbon
Economy Act of
2007
Introduced July 11,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that would take effect in 2012; regulates
emissions from natural gas and petroleum at point of production (“upstream”) and from coal at
point of combustion (“downstream”); sets target of reducing emissions to 2006 levels by 2020 and
1990 levels by 2030; provides a safety-valve whereby regulated entities can purchase additional
allowances at ceiling price, which is initially set at $12 per metric ton of CO2-equivalent, but
increases incrementally each year; allowance allocation includes for free allocation, auctions, and
set-aside allowances for specific purposes; requires countries not taking comparable emission
control action to submit special allowances (or their foreign equivalent) to accompany exports to
the United States of any covered greenhouse-intensive goods and primary products.
CRS-21
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
S. 1874
Landrieu
Containing and
Managing Climate
Change Costs
Efficiently Act
Introduced July 25,
2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Supplements any enacted GHG emission reduction program (created through other legislation) by
establishing a Carbon Market Efficiency Board; the board would observe the national GHG emission
market and determine if the cost of GHG emission permits would pose significant harm to the
economy; in the event of such a determination, the board may take cost-relief actions, primarily by
expanding allowance borrowing opportunities.
S. 2149
Dorgan
Coal Fuels and
Industrial
Gasification
Demonstration and
Development Act
of 2007
Introduced October
4, 2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Finance
Amends Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish grant and loan program to support development of
clean coal technologies, including capture and sequestration; creates a tax credit for facilities
employing carbon capture and sequestration technology.
S. 2155
Byrd
International Clean
Energy
Technologies
Deployment and
Global Energy
Markets Investment
Act of 2007
Introduced October
4, 2007; referred to
the Senate
Committee on
Foreign Relations
Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Administrator
of the U.S. Agency for International Development, to support deployment of clean energy
technology in developing nations; creates pilot program that provides financial support to
demonstration projects.
S. 2191
Lieberman
Lieberman-Warner
Climate Security
Act of 2008
Introduced October
18, 2007; reported
(with an amendment
in the nature of a
substitute, S.Rept.
110-337) by the
Senate Committee
on Environment and
Public Works May
20, 2008; see S.
3036, which was
considered by the
Senate the week of
June 2, 2008
Creates a comprehensive (covers the electric generation, industrial, and transportation sectors)
GHG emissions cap-and-trade program that takes effect in 2012; cap reduces emissions to 15%
below 2005 levels in 2020, with declines reaching 70% below 2005 levels by 2050; establishes a
Carbon Market Efficiency Board to observe the allowance market and implement cost-relief
measures if necessary; allows for banking and borrowing of emissions allowances; allows covered
facilities to use offsets to meet 30% of allowance submissions (15% from domestic and 15% from
international); allocation system auctions 18% of allowances in 2012, increasing to 73% by 2036;
auction revenues support various objectives, including energy assistance for low-income
households, adaptation to climate change, technology deployment for renewable energy and
advanced coal technologies; starting in 2018, requires nations without comparable emission controls
to submit international reserve allowances (or foreign equivalents) with exports of any covered
GHG intensive goods and primary products to the United States; creates new efficiency standards
for appliances and buildings.
CRS-22
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
S. 2204
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
Whitehouse
Global Warming
Wildlife Survival
Act
Introduced October
18, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Environment and
Public Works
Directs the Department of Interior to establish a national strategy for assisting wildlife populations
and wildlife habitats in adapting to climate change; creates a National Global Warming and Wildlife
Science Center within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct research; establishes
a wildlife conservation grant program for states and tribes.
Directs Department of Commerce to devise a national strategy concerning coastal and marine
ecosystems and climate change impacts; instructs the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to
prepare a report on these issues.
Directs USGS to convene regional meetings to discuss imperiled species in relevant region;
instructs the NAS to issue report, based on meetings’ findings, that assesses the impacts of global
warming on imperiled species.
S. 2211
S. 2307
S. 2355
CRS-23
Whitehouse
Kerry
Cantwell
Global Warming
and Acidification
Coastal and Ocean
Resiliency Act
Introduced October
19, 2007; referred
to the Senate
Committee on
Commerce, Science,
and Transportation
Directs the Department of Commerce to develop a national strategy to prepare coastal and marine
ecosystems for stresses associated with global warming, including relative sea level rise and ocean
acidification; provides for grants to carry out this strategy; instructs the National Academy of
Sciences (NAS) to prepare a report on these issues.
Global Change
Research
Improvement Act
of 2007
Introduced
November 5, 2007;
reported by the
Senate Committee
on Commerce,
Science, and
Transportation May
22, 2008 (S.Rept.
110-341)
Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990: directs the President to provide a five-year
national strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change within the United States;
Climate Change
Adaptation Act
Introduced
November 14, 2007;
reported by the
Senate Committee
on Commerce,
Science, and
Transportation June
5, 2008 (S.Rept. 110347)
Amends the National Climate Program Act (P.L. 95-367) to require the President to prepare a fiveyear national strategy for addressing the impacts of climate change in the United States;
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 by instructing the Department of Commerce
to develop and implement plans to help coastal communities prepare for climate change; authorizes
grant program for this purpose.
Requires the Department of Commerce to conduct regional assessments to identify key
vulnerabilities of coastal and ocean areas and resources from hazards associated with climate
change and ocean acidification; directs Commerce to submit an agency-specific, coastal adaptation
plan that includes recommendations (on the regional level) for strategies to address coastal and
ocean impacts; establishes grant program within Commerce to support adaptation efforts in coastal
states.
Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to (1) coordinate (with state and local entities) and support
regional assessments of the vulnerability of ocean and coastal resources; (2) prepare a national
coastal and ocean adaptation plan, which includes region-specific plans; (3) provide (through
NOAA) assistance to state and local governments as they implement adaptation or mitigation
strategies; and (4) issue grants to support state and local efforts.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
S. 2423
Feinstein
Emission Allowance
Market
Transparency Act
of 2007
Introduced
December 6, 2007;
referred to the
Senate Committee
on Environment and
Public Works
Would supplement a federal, market-based emission control program by directing the EPA to issue
regulations to facilitate price transparency in markets for the sale of emission allowances.
S. 2739
Bingaman
Consolidated
Natural Resources
Act of 2008
Introduced March
10, 2008; passed
Senate April 10,
2008; passed House
April 29, 2008;
signed into law May
8, 2008 (P.L. 110229) (related to H.R.
1126)
Among other provisions, requires the Secretary of Energy, when reviewing research and
development activities for possible inclusion in the steel research and development initiative, to
expand the plan in order to consider among steel project priorities the development of
technologies which reduce GHG emissions.
S. 3036
Boxer
Lieberman-Warner
Climate Security
Act of 2008
Introduced May 20,
2008; considered by
the Senate the week
of June 2, 2008
This bill would be identical to the reported version of S. 2191, except that S. 3036 contains a
budget amendment aimed at making the bill revenue-neutral. This would entail devoting a
percentage of auction revenues to offset budget deficits that are projected to occur due to the capand-trade program.
S.Res. 30
Biden
Expressing the
sense of the Senate
regarding the need
for the United
States to address
global climate
change through the
negotiation of fair
and effective
international
commitments
Introduced January
16, 2007; reported
by the Senate
Committee on
Foreign Relations
March 29, 2007
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should participate in negotiations under
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of securing
United States participation in binding agreements that advance and protect the economic and
national security interests of the United States; establish mitigation commitments by all major
greenhouse gas emitters; establish flexible international mechanisms to minimize the cost of
reduction efforts; and achieve a significant long-term reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.
(companion of
H.Con.Res. 104)
Expresses the sense of the Senate that a bipartisan Senate observer group be established to
monitor any international negotiations on climate change and ensure that the advice and consent
function of the Senate is exercised in a manner to facilitate timely consideration of any applicable
treaty submitted to the Senate.
CRS-24
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
HOUSE BILLS
H.R. 620
Olver
Climate
Stewardship Act of
2007
Introduced January
22, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and two
other committees
(companion to S.
280)
Creates a GHG cap-and-trade program that covers the electric power, transportation, industry, and
commercial sectors (accounting for about 85% of U.S. GHG emissions); by 2050, the emissions cap
would decline to approximately 70% below 1990 levels.
Calls for studies on the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and communities, and the
world’s poor, among others; requires an assessment of adaptation technologies; creates a national
GHG database; mandates a periodic review of target adequacy by the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, which oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
H.R. 823
Welch
None
Introduced February
5, 2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Oversight and
Government
Reform, and two
other committees
Authorizes federal agencies and legislative branch offices to purchase qualified tradeable: (1) GHG
offsets and (2) renewable energy credits.
H.R. 906
Udall
Global Change
Research and Data
Management Act of
2007
Introduced February
7, 2007; reported by
the House
Committee on
Science and
Technology April 24,
2008 (H.Rept. 110605)
Establishes an interagency United States Global Change Research Program to improve
understanding of global change and to provide periodic assessments of the vulnerability of the
United States and other regions to global change; creates an Office of Global Change Research
Information; directs the Secretary of State to initiate discussions with other nations leading toward
international protocols and other agreements to coordinate global climate change research
activities.
H.R. 1126
Lipinski
None
Introduced February
16, 2007; passed
House March 12,
2007; reported by
Senate Committee
on Energy and
Natural Resources
September 17, 2007
(S.Rept. 110-181);
see S. 2739, which
became P.L. 110-229
Requires the Secretary of Energy, when reviewing research and development activities for possible
inclusion in the steel research and development initiative, to expand the plan in order to consider
among steel project priorities the development of technologies which reduce GHG emissions.
CRS-25
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 1215
Rogers
None
Introduced February
22, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and
House Committee
on Science and
Technology
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantee
commitments to domestic motor vehicle manufacturers and suppliers for advanced conservation
and fuel efficiency technology projects for gasoline and diesel vehicles, flexible fuel vehicles, and
hybrid electric vehicles that reduce dependence on oil and reduce GHG emissions.
H.R. 1424
Kennedy
Emergency
Economic
Stabilization Act of
2008
Introduced March 9,
2007; passed House
March 5, 2008;
passed Senate
October 1, 2008;
signed into law
October 3, 2008
(P.L. 110-343)
Among many other provisions, offers a tax credit for select (geologic) carbon sequestration
activities; directs the Department of Treasury to enter into an agreement with National Academy
of Sciences to “undertake a comprehensive review of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to identify
the types of and specific tax provisions that have the largest effects on carbon and other
greenhouse gas emissions and to estimate the magnitude of those effects;” directs NAS to report
findings to Congress two years after enactment (October 3, 2010).
H.R. 1451
Lungren
New Options
Petroleum Energy
Conservation Act
of 2007
Introduced March 9,
2007; referred to
House Committee
on Ways and Means,
and two other
committees
Among other provisions, allows a tax credit for investment in a “climate neutral combustion
facility,” defined as any facility that (1) burns matter to produce electricity; (2) captures and uses
CO2 released during combustion to recover hydrocarbon fuel; and (3) produces no emissions of
mercury or GHG and no emissions that form fine particulate, smog, or acid rain; extends through
2012 the tax credits for investment in solar energy property and for residential energy efficient
property expenditures; directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to award $1 billion to
the first U.S. automobile manufacturer that manufactures and sells in the United States 60,000 midsized sedans that operate on gasoline and can travel at 100 miles per gallon.
H.R. 1507
McDermott
Salmon Economic
Analysis and
Planning Act
Introduced March
13, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Natural Resources
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of
Sciences for scientific analysis of federal salmon protection, restoration, and recovery actions. Part
of this analysis would identify the effect of global climate change on ocean conditions and on
hydrological conditions in the Snake and Columbia rivers and their salmon and steelhead-bearing
tributaries; examines how such global climate change impacts might affect the federal resources
necessary to achieve recovery of naturally spawning wild salmon and steelhead populations to selfsustaining, harvestable levels.
CRS-26
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 1585
Skelton
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2008
Introduced March
20, 2007; passed
House May 17,
2007, and Senate
October 1, 2007;
conference report
(H.Rept. 110-477)
agreed to in House
December 12, 2007,
and Senate
December 14, 2007;
vetoed by President
December 28, 2007;
see H.R. 4986, which
became P.L. 110-181
(companion to S.
1547)
Among other provisions, requires the Department of Defense to assess the risks of projected
climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
H.R. 1590
Waxman
Safe Climate Act of
2007
Introduced March
20, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and
House Committee
on Foreign Affairs
Creates an economy-wide GHG cap-and-trade program that would take effect in 2010; the cap
would decline annually to reach 1990 levels by 2020; subsequent annual declines (of roughly 5% per
year) would require emission reductions of approximately 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Introduced April 19,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Intelligence and two
other committees
Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National Intelligence
Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such
effects on U.S. national security; directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the
projected impact on the military installations, capabilities, and operations of the effects of global
climate change as assessed in the estimate, and to recommend research and analysis needed to
further assess the impacts on the military of global climate change; requires the Secretary of State
to report to Congress on the potential for (1) large migrations of people in countries of strategic
interest or humanitarian concern as a response to changes in climate and the implications for U.S.
security interests; and (2) diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. policymakers as a
result of social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global climate change.
H.R. 1961
Markey
Global Climate
Change Security
Oversight Act
(companion to S.
1018)
CRS-27
Requires mandatory GHG emission standards for vehicles by 2010 and a new energy efficiency
standard beginning in 2010; establishes a Renewable Portfolio Standard; requires a periodic review
of adequacy of GHG emissions target by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS); the NAS review
would take account of international activity and recommend actions for both the United States and
other nations to take if the GHG targets are not likely to avoid dangerous climate change.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 1933
Udall
Department of
Energy Carbon
Capture and
Storage Research,
Development, and
Demonstration Act
of 2007
Introduced April 18,
2007; reported by
the House
Committee on
Science and
Technology August
3, 2007 (H.Rept.
110-301)
(companion to S.
962)
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to promote deployment of carbon capture and storage
technology; calls for further research to develop this technology.
H.R. 2069
Stark
Save Our Climate
Act of 2007
Introduced April 26,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on Ways
and Means
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a carbon excise tax ($10 per ton of carbon content)
on any taxable fuel sold by a manufacturer, producer, or importer. Defines “taxable fuel” as coal
(including lignite and peat), petroleum and any petroleum product, and natural gas.
H.R. 2082
Reyes
Intelligence
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2008
Introduced May 1,
2007; passed House
May 11, 2007;
passed Senate
October 3, 2007;
House agreed to
conference report
(H.Rept. 110-478)
December 13, 2007;
Senate agreed
February 13, 2008;
President vetoed
March 8, 2008; veto
override failed
March 11, 2008
(companion to S.
1538)
Section 407 requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national
intelligence estimate on anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and its implications
on U.S. national security.
Introduced May 3,
2007; referred to
the House
Agriculture
Committee and
three other
committees
Among other provisions, amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 by establishing the
climate carbon cycle, renewable energy, and climate change research program; instructs the
Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to eligible universities to conduct the research.
H.R. 2144
CRS-28
DeLauro
Farm, Nutrition,
and Community
Investment Act of
2007
*The Conference Report (agreed to by the House) does not include this provision. The report
stated:
The conference report also eliminates Section 407 of the House bill, which would have required the
DNI to submit a National Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global
climate change on the national security of the United States. The conferees remain fully committed
to this assessment. The conferees note the DNI has stated that work on such a national intelligence
assessment has already begun. The conferees expect that the national intelligence assessment will
be transmitted to Congress in a timely manner.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 2215
Inslee
To provide a
reduction in the
aggregate
greenhouse gas
emissions per unit
of energy
consumed by
vehicles and
aircraft, and for
other purposes.
Introduced May 8,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce
Directs the EPA to establish low carbon fuel performance standards that would apply in 2015.
H.R. 2337
Rahall
Energy Policy
Reform and
Revitalization Act
of 2007
Introduced May 16,
2007; reported by
the House
Committee on
Natural Resources
August 3, 2007
(H.Rept. 110-296)
Title IV requires the Department of the Interior (DOI) to complete a national assessment of
capacity for the geologic storage of CO2; requires the DOI to assess the amount of carbon stored
in various ecosystems, and the processes related to terrestrial sequestration, including land
management practices that may improve sequestration; directs the DOI to maintain an inventory of
the amount of CO2 stored from federal leases; requires the DOI to report to Committee on
Natural Resources on a recommended regulatory and certification framework for conducting
geological carbon sequestration activities on federal lands; directs the DOI to promulgate a national
strategy for mitigating the impacts of global warming on wildlife populations in the United States.
H.R. 2338
Dicks
Global Warming
Wildlife Survival
Act
Introduced May 16,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Natural Resources
and House
Committee on
Agriculture
Directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to promulgate a national strategy for mitigating the
impacts of global warming on wildlife populations in the United States (note: similar, if not identical,
to Title IV, Subtitle D of H.R. 2337)
H.R. 2342
Allen
National Integrated
Coastal and Ocean
Observation Act of
2007
Introduced May 16,
2007; reported by
the House
Committee on
Natural Resources
and (H.Rept. 110558) passed House
March 31, 2008
Establishes a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System composed of federal and
non-federal components; authorizes research activities regarding climate change, particularly effects
on coastal waters and Great Lakes.
CRS-29
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 2420
Lantos
International
Climate
Cooperation Reengagement Act of
2007
Introduced May 22,
2007; reported from
the House
Committee on
Foreign Affairs June
28, 2007 (H.Rept.
110-215)
Establishes within the Department of State an Office on Global Climate Change; promotes clean
and efficient technologies in developing countries; creates International Clean Energy Foundation
within the executive branch that serves the long-term foreign policy and energy security goals of
reducing global GHG emissions.
H.R. 2447
Wynn
Energy and
Environment Block
Grant Act of 2007
Introduced May 23,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and
House Committee
on Science and
Technology
Establishes Energy and Environment Block Grant Program within the Department of Energy to
award grants to eligible cities/counties to support local GHG reduction activities.
H.R. 2483
Hall
Energy for America
Act
Introduced May 24,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Science and
Technology
Title VIII requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress the results of a study on the
feasibility of large-scale biological sequestration of CO2 for coal power systems, including an analysis
of the feasibility of creating a closed loop carbon cycle through biological sequestration.
H.R. 2556
Wilson
Energy Savings Act
of 2007
Introduced May 24,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and four
other committees
Title III (Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act of 2007) amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by
enhancing the carbon capture research and development program; directs the Department of the
Interior to complete a national assessment of geologic storage capacity for CO2; instructs
Department of Energy to implement program to demonstrate technologies for the large-scale
capture of CO2 from industrial sources of CO2.
(companion to S.
1321)
CRS-30
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 2635
Waxman
Carbon-Neutral
Government Act of
2007
Introduced June 7,
2007, reported by
the House Oversight
and Government
Reform Committee
August 3, 2007
(H.Rept. 110-297)
Requires each federal agency to provide an annual report of its GHG emissions for the preceding
fiscal year; calls for the EPA to develop GHG reduction targets for the combined federal agencies;
beginning in FY2011, each agency would freeze its proportionate share of emissions at 2010 levels
and decrease, at a minimum, by 2% each fiscal year, so as to achieve zero net annual GHG emissions
from the agencies by FY2050; directs various agencies to study management policies that could
enhance net biological sequestration of GHGs and reduce negative impacts of global warming on
ecosystems; mandates that federal vehicle fleet meet GHG emission standards developed by
California (standards would take effect when they are applicable in California).
H.R. 2651
Engel
Greenhouse Gas
Accountability Act
of 2007
Introduced June 11,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and
House Committee
on Financial Services
Requires large, publicly traded companies and significant emitters of GHGs to report their
emissions to the EPA.
H.R. 3031
Inslee
Advanced Design in
Energy for Living
Efficiently Act of
2007
Introduced July 12,
2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce, and five
other committees.
Directs the National Institute of Building Sciences to establish GHG emissions standards for the
construction of new commercial and residential buildings; compared to a 2003 baseline, the
standards will require emission reductions of 40% by 2010 and 70% by 2020; states must adopt and
fully implement the standards (or demonstrate that technical barriers exist that prevent such
adoption and implementation) in order to receive federal funding provided by the act, which
includes loan guarantees and block grants.
H.R. 3093
Mollohan
Commerce, Justice,
Science, and
Related Agencies
Appropriations
Act, 2008
Introduced July 19,
2007; included in
H.R. 2764
(Consolidated
Appropriations Act,
2008), which was
signed into law
December 26, 2007
(P.L. 110-161).
Directs the National Academies to establish a Climate Change Study Committee that will study
various climate change issues and make recommendations regarding response actions.
CRS-31
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 3221
Pelosi
New Direction for
Energy
Independence,
National Security,
and Consumer
Protection Act
Introduced July 30,
2007; passed House
August 4, 2007
(companion to
Senate Version of
H.R. 6, which was
signed into law
December 19, 2007
(P.L. 110-140))
Among other provisions, creates Ambassador at Large for Global Climate Change; promotes
domestic and international deployment of mitigation technologies; requires further research
concerning various climate-related issues; calls for a national assessment of the geological storage
capacity of CO2; sets target for federal agencies to stabilize GHG emissions in FY2011, decrease
emissions thereafter, and be carbon neutral by 2050.
H.R. 3274
Israel
United StatesChina Energy
Cooperation Act
Introduced August
1, 2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and
House Committee
on Science and
Technology
Promotes cooperation between the United States and China on joint energy and climate change
projects, such as carbon capture and sequestration technology; provides grants to eligible projects
on condition that federal funding is recouped if a project leads to the development of a product or
process that is marketed or used.
H.R. 3416
Larson
America’s Energy
Security Trust Fund
Act of 2007
Introduced August
3, 2007; referred to
the House Ways and
Means Committee
Establishes a carbon tax on coal, petroleum, and natural gas, based on their CO2 content; levies a
$15/ton tax, which increases each year; tax revenues used to 1) support technology development,
2) alleviate burden on carbon-intensive industries, and 3) provide rebates to workers based on
payroll tax payments; grants tax credits for qualified offset project.
H.R. 3448
Waxman
Global Climate and
Ozone Layer
Protection Act of
2007
Introduced August
3, 2007; referred to
the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce
Expresses need for the United States to negotiate an accelerated phase out of ozone-depleting
chemicals under the Montreal Protocol; amends the Clean Air Act to strengthen domestic
regulation of ozone-depleting chemicals, which have relatively strong global warming potential.
H.R. 3989
McHugh
Healthy Air and
Clean Water Act
Introduced October
29, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce and
three other
committees
Creates a cap-and-trade program for CO2 emissions at coal-fired power plants (above 25 MW); by
January 1, 2015, CO2 emission levels capped at 2005 levels, decreasing periodically to 20% below
2005 levels by 2050; directs EPA to develop program details, but requires 100% of emission
allowances to be auctioned, with revenues supporting development of renewable energies; in
addition to CO2 provisions, requires emission reductions in mercury (Hg) from coal-fired power
plants (above 25 MW) and further reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
from all power plants above 25 MW capacity.
CRS-32
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.R. 4174
Allen
Federal Ocean
Acidification
Research And
Monitoring Act of
2007
Introduced
November 14, 2007;
reported by the
House Committee
on Science and
Technology (H.Rept.
110-749) and passed
House July 9, 2008
(companion to S.
1581)
Establishes an Interagency Committee on Ocean Acidification, comprised of senior representatives
from NOAA, the National Science Foundation, NASA, USGS, the Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA,
and DOE; directs the Committee to develop a strategic research and implementation plan for
Federal activities; requires the Committee to submit the plan to Congress 18 months after
enactment of legislation; the plan shall include research on the relationship between GHG emissions
and ocean acidification, and the biological and socio-economic impacts of ocean acidification; creates
an ocean acidification program within NOAA to carry out the plan by overseeing research projects
and issuing research grants.
H.R. 4226
Gilchrest
Climate
Stewardship and
Economic Security
Act of 2007
Introduced
November 15, 2007;
referred to the
House Committee
on Energy and
Commerce and five
other committees
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that covers the electric power,
transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors (accounting for about 85% of U.S. GHG
emissions); starting in 2012, the cap would be set at 2006 emission levels (minus annual emissions
from non-covered entities) and would decline further in 2020, 2030, and 2050; by 2050, the
emissions cap would decline to 25% of 2006 levels (minus annual emissions from non-covered
entities);
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to (1) initiate studies on climate change impacts to coastal
ecosystems and communities; (2) provide technical assistance to states concerning climate change
adaptation; (3) prepare and submit an adaptation plan to Congress; and (4) study climate change
impacts to the world’s poor and submit report to Congress; instructs the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy to create a program on adaptation technologies.
H.R. 4986
Skelton
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2008
Introduced January
16, 2008; signed into
law January 28, 2008
(P.L. 110-181)
(related to S. 1585)
Among other provisions, requires the Department of Defense to assess the risks of projected
climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
H.R. 6186
Markey
Investing in Climate
Action and
Protection Act
Introduced June 4,
2008; referred to
the House Energy
and Commerce
Committee and 9
other committees
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that would cap emissions from covered
sources at 930 million mtCO2e in 2050; covers the electric power, transportation, industrial, and
commercial sectors (accounting for about 85% of U.S. GHG emissions); directs EPA to auction 94%
of the emission allowances in 2012, increasing to 100% by FY2020; instructs EPA to develop
emission performance standards for non-covered entities, which may include coal mines, landfills,
wastewater treatment operations, and animal feeding operations.
H.R. 6316
Doggett
Climate Market,
Auction, Trust &
Trade Emissions
Reduction System
Act of 2008
Introduced June 19,
2008; referred to
the House Ways and
Means Committee
and eight other
committees
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that would cap emissions from covered
sources at 348 million mtCO2e in 2050; directs EPA to develop regulations that prevent growth in
emissions from non-covered entities; instructs EPA to auction 85% of its emission allowances in
2012, increasing to 100% by FY2020.
CRS-33
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill or P.L.
No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions That Directly Address Climate Change
H.Con.Res.
96
Dicks
Expressing the
sense of the
Congress that
there should be
enacted a
mandatory national
program to slow,
stop, and reverse
emissions of
greenhouse gases
Introduced March
21, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Energy and
Commerce
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Congress should enact a comprehensive, mandatory,
market-based program to slow, stop, and reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions at a rate
and in a manner that will not significantly harm the United States economy, and will encourage
comparable action by other nations that are major trading partners and key contributors to global
emissions.
H.Con.Res.
104
Carnahan
Expressing the
sense of Congress
regarding the need
for the United
States to address
global climate
change through the
negotiation of fair
and effective
international
commitments
Introduced March
29, 2007; referred
to the House
Committee on
Foreign Affairs
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should participate in negotiations under
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of securing
United States participation in binding agreements that advance and protect the economic and
national security interests of the United States; establish mitigation commitments by all major
greenhouse gas emitters; establish flexible international mechanisms to minimize the cost of
reduction efforts; and achieve a significant long-term reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.
CRS-34
(companion of S.Res.
30)
Would also establish a bipartisan House observer group to monitor any international negotiations
on climate change; and ensure that the advice and consent function of the Senate is exercised in a
manner to facilitate timely consideration of any applicable treaty submitted to the Senate.
Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Author Contact Information
(name redacted)
Analyst in Environmental Policy
/redacted/@crs.loc.gov, 7-....
Congressional Research Service
(name redacted)
Specialist in Energy and Environmental Policy
/redacted/@crs.loc.gov, 7-....
35
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