Despite Barack Obama claiming global climate change is a top priority in his cabinet, the fight against global warming in the US continues to face a series of setbacks. Once again, this Saturday, the Senate announced they would postpone plans to reveal the latest climate change bill.
The Senate was forced to propose the unveiling of the bill, when arguments over immigration took the forefront of discussions at a senate meeting last Saturday. On Monday, Senator John Kerry, democrat, was to lead a bipartisan group in an outline of the newest climate change bill, however that plan was scrapped when Republican Lindsey Graham threatened to pull his support of the bill if Democrats kept pushing for legislation on immigration to take precedent over environmental and energy talks.
According to the group, the bill would be quashed without Graham on board. Thus, Senator Kerry announced that the proposal would be put on hold. He added that he and Senator Joseph Lieberman would continue to develop the climate change bill, and hopes that Lindsey will rejoin the cause after legislation with immigration can be resolved.
The Senate climate legislation, which is garnering international scrutiny, is anticipated to reduce US emissions significantly. New trading systems regarding pollution permits, similar to ones in Europe, are expected to be proposed as well.
If Congress is unable to approve any climate legislation this year, it will try again during 2011. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency, has said that if all efforts in Congress fail, the authority will begin regulation greenhouse gases on its own. Business and Environmental groups are hoping to avoid this outcome, preferring to have a say in Congressional legislation.
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