Democrats talk up new US climate bill

The Democrats have followed the launch this week of the new Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (PDF) by talking up the chances of getting the bill passed with the next few months, and possibly even before the Copenhagen climate talks in December.

The bill, which was co-sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer and John Kerry looks to impose tighter caps than the US Clean Energy and Security Act, currently stalled before the Senate, that was introduced earlier this year setting a mandate of 20 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020 rather than the 17 per cent set by the earlier bill.

But crucially the new legislation does not make overt reference to a cap-and-trade system, although Kerry told The Washington Post that such a measure could be included.

In a statement on his web site today, John Kerry said: "Our efforts centre around four urgent national priorities: putting America back in control of our energy future, reasserting American economic leadership and competitiveness, protecting our families from pollution, and ensuring our national security."

The bill aims to reduce corporate pollution, provide funding for renewable and nuclear energy research, set new emissions standards for buildings and vehicles, as well as promote tree planting and sustainable farming practices.

The bill also aims to set new energy efficiency standards for various goods and services, as well as increasing investment in public transportation.

The bill has also secured high profile backing after it was endorsed by President Barack Obama. In a prepared statement he said: "With the draft legislation they are announcing today, we are one step closer to putting Americ a in control of our energy future and making America more energy independent."

Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council also welcomed the bill. "We are optimistic that the calls for clean energy and climate solutions across the country, including support from business leaders, national security experts, entrepreneurs, labour, faith groups, veterans, and many others, will lead to action by the full Senate," she said.

But the bill is expected to face staunch opposition from Republicans in bopth the Senate and the House of Representatives.

House leader John Boehner of Ohio was among the first to criticise the Senate bill. "The national energy tax was a terrible idea when it passed the House, and it is an even worse idea now," he said. "Middle-class families and small businesses struggling to make ends meet shouldn't be punished with costly legislation that will increase electricity bills, raise gasoline prices and ship more American jobs overseas."