After a handful of delays and false starts, Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., introduced into the Senate a companion to the House’s climate and energy bill, known as The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.
From the bill’s summary:
The bill sets ambitious and achievable goals to reduce carbon pollution. It targets a reduction of 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 from 2005 levels, the minimum scientists judge necessary to avert a climate disaster.
Other highlights include:
- $10 billion over ten years to support research and development of new carbon capture and sequestration technology
- Funding for expanded use of natural gas and research and development of nuclear energy technologies
- New programs to support, fund and develop a “green economy” through employee training and support for energy-intensive and trade-sensitive industries
- Measures to protect consumers from higher energy costs and dramatic energy price fluctuation
Sen. Kerry makes his case for the legislation at Policito, Grist's David Roberts takes a look at the bill from 30,000 feet and Climate Progress's Joe Romm makes a case for avoiding the costs of inaction.
