# Waxman and Markey Fire Starting Gun

*Published:* 2009-03-31
*Author:* Keith Gaby

This morning, Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-Ca.) and Ed Markey (D-Ma.) [released a 600-page draft](http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/31/31climatewire-details-trickle-out-on-waxmanmarkey-proposal-10357.html) and put their committee on the path to passing climate legislation this year. The details will be worked out in the legislative process, but this is great progress.

If Congress succeeds in passing a cap on carbon emissions, we will address global warming and pump billions of dollars into clean energy and new jobs. If we fail — well, let’s not fail.

Here’s the response from EDF’s president, Fred Krupp:

> Chairmen Waxman and Markey are experienced legislators who have focused on exactly the right issues to quickly build consensus and allow Congress to pass a strong bill this year.

> We applaud the Chairmen for moving forward boldly and deliberately with their proposal for comprehensive legislation, and we look forward to working with them, the congressional leadership, and the Obama administration to help refine and pass a bill this year.