Senators outline compromise U.S. climate bill - cast as jobs and energy-independence bill.

[jefferson_dem]

Senators outline compromise U.S. climate bill
Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:17am IST

WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - U.S. senators outlined a compromise climate bill on Thursday that emphasizes energy independence, a move that could strengthen President Barack Obama's position at U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen next week.

The compromise between Senators John Kerry, a Democrat, Joseph Lieberman, an independent, and Lindsey Graham, a Republican, seeks to speed up the legislation, by casting it as a jobs and energy-independence bill.

"We are confident our climate legislation will keep American jobs in America," Lieberman told reporters, adding that the bill would get done.

The senators said a near-term target to cut U.S. emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels was achievable and reasonable. Obama is expected to pledge the United States will cut emissions at about that level at the talks in Copenhagen next week.

A 17 percent target would be less than the 20 percent reduction that was proposed in an initial Senate bill written by Kerry and Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer of California. (Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe and Timothy Gardner)

http://in.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idINN1023937120091210

[Mass]

1. I wished the negotiation did not need to include these two assholes, but unfortunately, too many Dem

do not support doing anything concerning climate change.

Note: 17% is what was voted in the House.

[karynnj]

3. Exactly

I hope that Kerry will be able to bring some of that coal block in. The problem is their "solution" to let coal pollute until there is a way it won't just won't work. The real question is what can the country do to insure a softer landing for the coal states where the cost of energy will rise.

[karynnj]

2. The climate deniers are already unrecommending this - when it simply provides information

17% is less than is needed, but far better than if there is no bill. It will be interesting to see when there are more details as to what is in the bill.

[DrToast]

4. So is this expected to pass?

Or is this going to be dragged out like health care?