Good News: Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act Fails in Senate
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My first reaction to the failure of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act was disappointment. The Senate was unable to defeat a filibuster led by Minority Leader McConnell and Senators Allard (CO), Inhofe (OK), and Cornyn (TX) and fell 12 votes shy of cloture. The bill also did not have enough support to override Bush’s promised veto. Once again the US government failed to act on climate change; however, the news is not all bad. Lieberman-Warner was weak legislation, and it did not follow scientific recommendations to limit carbon emissions.
Lieberman-Warner was not opposed by a majority of environmental groups, and it was recognized as an important step. Dave Hamilton, director of global warming and energy programs for the Sierra Club, explained the flaws in the legislation, “We’d like to see the targets and timetables stronger,” although the Sierra Club supported Lieberman-Warner. Hamilton was not alone in concern over the bill. 1Sky, an organization that did oppose the bill, felt we should not back it because it only offers a band-aid solution. Betsy Taylor, President of the 1Sky campaign’s Board of Directors stated:
This bill failed on two fundamental measures and that is why 1Sky and many others did not support it. It would not have reduced carbon emissions as deeply or as quickly as the world scientific community says is necessary to address global warming. And, it would have given more money to the bloated fossil fuel industry, and left ordinary Americans paying too much for rising energy bills.
1Sky took over 100 murals on climate action to Congress painted by families over Mother’s Day weekend. The murals expressed how important climate legislations is to American families. “We’ve only got one sky, and we’ve got to make sure it stays clean for our children,” said Gillian Caldwell, mother of two and campaign director for 1Sky. With the failure of Lieberman-Warner, we have a fresh start now for real climate change legislation.
What would effective climate change legislation look like? According to 1Sky:
- Conserve 20 percent of the nation’s energy by 2015, creating 5 million new jobs and pathways out of poverty focused on climate solutions and energy efficiency;
- Reduce global warming pollution at least 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050;
- Impose a moratorium on new coal plants and end fossil fuel dependence through strong standards and incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
On June 4, 2008 Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced a comprehensive climate bill entitled the “Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act,” or “iCap,” (HR 6186). Starting in 2012, iCap calls for slashing emissions by 85 percent by 2050 for greenhouse gases, a moratorium on traditional coal plants, auction 100% of pollution permits by 2020, and invest in green workforce training. “I am here today because the chorus for change is deafening. The time for action is now,” said Markey.
Although it is disappointing on many levels that Lieberman-Warner didn’t pass, it is heartening to see that 48 senators did vote to move forward with the legislation. The good news in the failure is that we now have an opportunity to pass real legislation, like iCap, under a new Congress and new president. We need uncompromising legislation that will boost the economy through green technologies and adequately curb carbon emissions. Since the Climate Security Act failed, we now have another chance!
Image: 1Sky
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