Waxman wants safe climate legislation

U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles), together with more than 125 House colleagues, introduced the Safe Climate Act of 2007. The legislation is based on what scientists have concluded the United States must do to avoid dangerous, irreversible warming of the planet and would significantly reduce U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases.

"We must act now to protect our children and grandchildren from disastrous global warming," said Waxman, whose district includes Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village.

"My legislation reflects what the science says we need to do to prevent dire changes to the climate system, and there is a growing consensus in the states and among American workers, industry leaders, small businesses, religious groups and others that these levels are what we need to achieve," said Waxman.

Scientists have concluded that the planet faces a grave risk of irreversible and devastating global warming if global temperatures increase by more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

To protect against these catastrophic impacts, the bill sets greenhouse gas emissions targets that aim to keep temperatures below the danger point. The level of emissions is frozen in 2010, gradually reduced by 2 percent each year through 2020, and then reduced by 5 percent each year through 2050.

The Safe Climate Act achieves these targets through a flexible economywide capandtrade program for greenhouse gas emissions, along with measures to advance technology and reduce emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency and cleaner cars.

"In effect, the Safe Climate Act sets the targets and then unleashes market forces and American ingenuity to solve the climate problem," said Waxman.

Waxman is the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The legislation and supporting materials are available online at www.henrywaxman.house.gov.