Climate 411

Grist breaks down the current climate bill situation and is even cautiously optimistic about Kerry and Lieberman’s abilities to attract some Republican support.

“There are, however, some Republicans who are expected to vote for the bill if it goes to the floor.”

An editorial in the L.A. Times that makes the case for climate legislation is lauded on Climate Progress. The editorial concludes with this poignant message:

“Lawmakers today aren’t seeing the forest for the trees; that will change when the forest has burned or been destroyed by bark beetles, but by then it will be too late.”

E2 explains how the new climate bill will contain a “compromise on offshore drilling” though still maintains targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020.

Treehugger goes over the offshore oil drilling veto provision in the Kerry-Lieberman climate bill set to be released to the public today. The full details are forthcoming but so far we do know that:

• “It requires an Interior Department study to determine which states could be economically and environmentally affected by a spill.
• Those affected states would then be able to veto drilling by passing a law.
• Those states that are able to go ahead with drilling will retain 37 percent of the federal revenue generated by that activity.
• Any state will be allowed to opt out of drilling that would occur in waters within 75 miles of its shore.”

A new poll shows that voters across the nation are now even more likely to support a climate bill due to the tragic events unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico. Past polls have shown that there is strong public support for a climate bill however there had been speculation in the media that the Gulf oil spill would make passing a climate bill this year more difficult. This poll proves just the opposite. Americans are more ready that ever to end their dependence on fossil fuels and starting moving towards a clean energy future. Fence-sitting Senators should take note.

• 61% of voters polled support a climate bill “that will limit pollution, invest in domestic energy sources and encourage companies to use and develop clean energy. It would do this in part by charging energy companies for carbon pollution in electricity or fuels like oil.”
• 54% would be more likely to re-elect their Senator if he or she voted for the bill
• 51% would be less likely to re-elect their Senator if he or she voted against the bill
• 59% of voters agree that “Now is the time for Senators to take action. Oil companies and lobbyists have fought energy reform for decades to protect their profits. Our dependence on oil hurts our economy, helps our enemies and puts our security at risk. It’s time to put America back in control – with clean energy that’s made in America and works for America.”
• 39% of voters now say they are even “more likely to support a climate bill in the wake of the oil spill.”

The poll findings are a result of 650 telephone interviews conducted May 4th and 5th, 2010 nationwide with a sampling of registered voters who are likely to vote in the 2010 Congressional elections. Read these poll highlights and commentary on the The New Republic.