Response from Senator Chambliss

Thank you for contacting me regarding the international conference on climate change scheduled for December 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.  I appreciate hearing from you. 

In 1992, the United States signed and ratified the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  This treaty calls for countries to adopt national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  In addition, the signatories agreed to meet annually to assess their progress concerning climate change legislation.

This year, the United Nations will host its fifteenth annual conference of parties in Copenhagen.  It is unclear what negotiations or discussions may occur at this conference. In regards to international agreements, the President can sign nonbinding international resolutions that express the sentiments of the signatory nations.  However, should the President sign a binding agreement in Copenhagen, it then must be ratified by the Senate. Should any treaty regarding climate change come before the Senate for ratification, I will be certain to keep your comments in mind.

I am closely monitoring domestic climate change legislation as it is proposed and debated.  Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the "American Clean Energy and Security Act," by a vote of 219-212.  This bill creates a cap and trade program to limit U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases and includes a number of measures that are designed to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy. 

I have several concerns with this bill because it will increase electricity costs on Americans, send more American jobs overseas, and put our economy at a distinct disadvantage at a time when we can least afford it.  The increased production and manufacturing costs incurred due to this bill would unduly burden producers and consumers, and during this current economic slowdown, we must focus on measures that will not harm our economy.  I am also concerned that any emission reductions achieved by the United States due to this bill will be negated by the increasing emissions from countries around the world like China and India. 

We should focus on developing and utilizing alternative energy sources in the United States, including nuclear energy, clean coal, natural gas, solar, and wind power.  I am an ardent proponent of making use of domestic sources of energy, rather than relying on foreign sources, which negatively affects our national security and stifles our economy.  I support technological innovation and conservation as methods to reduce our emissions and increase the energy independence of our nation, as opposed to any massive taxation and excessive regulation schemes presented as a means to achieve these goals.

In September, Senators Kerry and Boxer introduced S. 1733, the "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act."  This is one of many climate change proposals that the Senate is considering.  It is crucial that the Senate carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any proposed climate change legislation. 

Recently, I along with five other ranking members on Senate committees with jurisdiction over aspects of climate change legislation sent a letter to Senator Boxer, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.  We requested that Senator Boxer refrain from further committee action on S. 1733 until a complete analysis of the bill's cost and effects is conducted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

We must first understand the full impacts of any proposed legislation in order to sustain a fully-informed debate; I will continue to oppose any attempts to unduly hurry the passage of climate change legislation.  As this issue is debated in the Senate, I will examine it in accordance with these principles, and I will keep your comments in mind.

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