Congress Session:

H.R. 6:   Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This is the omnibus Senate energy bill for 2007. It contains a variety of provisions intended to promote the development and deployment of biofuels, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, environmentally sustainable public buildings, and includes a measure to increase the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard. This summary will focus on those provisions most directly relevant to climate change.

· Among other provisions, the bill establishes a renewable fuel standard, to reach 36 billion gallons by 2022, with 21 billion of those gallons to be from advanced biofuels. The bill mandates that renewable fuels produced from facilities that commence operations after enactment shall achieve at least 20% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to gasoline. The bill also directs the Presidnet to establish criteria for a system of voluntary labeling of renewable fuels based on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

· The bill directs the President to establish a program to provide grants for research support to facilitate the development of sustainable markets and technologies to use woody biomass and other low carbon fuels, including research into methods of assessing and certifying the impacts of low-carbon fuels with respect to reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions, among other impacts.

· The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to encourage the production of advanced biofuels. It requires the Secretary to award grants to the proposals for advanced biofuels with the greatest reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to the comparable vehicle fuel lifecycle emissions in calendar year 2007, with at least a 50% such reduction needed to be eligible.

· The bill amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the EPA to work with the EPA to conduct 2 studies on the effects of increased domestic use of renewable fuels under this act, including an assessment and quantification of significant changes in GHG emissions, among others.

· Among other provisions, the bill directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an applied research program for plug-in electric drive vehicle technology, including development of control systems optimized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it also directs the Secretary to establish a competitive program to provide grants for demonstrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. As part of the criteria, applicants are required to record GHG emissions.

· The bill also amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training. It directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program for States to administer renewable energy and energy efficiency workforce development programs, and requires the Secretary to give priority to those States whose programs will be in line with meeting national and State goals for reducing GHG emissions, among other goals.

· The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national assessment of the quantity of carbon stored in and released from terrestrial ecosystems, including from human-caused and natural fires, and the annual flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the assessment, the Secretary must determine the processes that control the flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems; estimate the potential for increasing carbon sequestration in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems; develop near-term and long-term adaptation strategies or mitigation strategies that can be employed to enhance the sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, to reduce emissions of GHGs, and to adapt to climate change.

· The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a method for measuring, monitoring, quantifying, and monetizing covered GHG emissions and reductions, including methods for allocating and managing offsets or credits.

· The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations to achieve a combined standard for passenger cars and light trucks of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020. For model years 2021 through 2031, the Secretary would have to establish the "maximum feasible" standard for the fleet. In establishing the maximum feasible standard, the bill directs the Secretary to consider the emissions of GHGs over the lifecycle of the fuel and the resulting costs to human health, the economy, and the environment.

· The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a program to promote and fund carbon capture and storage research, development, and demonstration. It authorizes a total of $1.425 billion for various of activities related to carbon capture and storage, including: fundamental science and engineering research; field testing of carbon dioxide sequestration in operating and depleted oil and gas fields, and geological formations including saline formations and unmineable coal seams; not less than 7 large-volume sequestration tests involving at least 1 million tons of carbon dioxide per year in a diversity of geological formations across the United States; and an assessment of the national capacity for carbon dioxide storage. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program for the demonstration of carbon capture and storage from industrial sources.

· The bill also requires the Administrator of the EPA to establish a competitive grant demonstration program for projects to capture and store or use the carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol power plant as a result of burning coal.

· In addition, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national assessment of the quantity of carbon stored in and released from terrestrial ecosystems, including from human-caused and natural fires, and the annual flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the assessment, the Secretary must determine the processes that control the flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems; estimate the potential for increasing carbon sequestration in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems; develop near-term and long-term adaptation strategies or mitigation strategies that can be employed to enhance the sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, to reduce emissions of GHGs, and to adapt to climate change.

· The bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change, and authorizes up to $10 million between 2009 and 2014.

· Finally, the bill expresses the sense of Congress that “[d]evelopment of renewable energy through sustainable practices will help lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhance international development.

Sponsor: Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) (198 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1016:   Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act. The Act would “amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to promote energy independence and self-sufficiency by providing for the use of net metering by certain small electric energy generation systems,” and language in the bill ensures that where applicable, customer-generators will retain ownership and title to any renewable energy or greenhouse gas credits that accrues to their energy generation activities. Sponsor: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1018:   Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act. The Act would “address security risks posed by global climate change,” by requiring that, not more than 270 days after the bill’s enactment, that the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) submit to Congress a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on the “anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on the national security of the United States.” The bill directs the DNI to use the mid-range projections of the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in preparing the NIE. Sponsor: Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) (8 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1059:   Zero-Emissions Building Act of 2007. The Act amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act by inserting language that requires and specifies reductions in GHG emissions in Federal buildings. Sponsor: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1072:   Federal Agency Environmental Responsibility Act. Among other provisions, the Act requires the head of each Federal agency to implement sustainable practices within the agency for avoiding or reducing GHG emissions. The bill also directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from Federal buildings through the use of energy efficient light bulbs, requiring that within five years of the bill’s enactment, all light bulbs—including those in traffic signals and exterior lights on Federal property—should be replaced by energy-efficient bulbs, and mandating that only energy-efficient bulbs may be used in Federal buildings. The Administrator can make those exceptions deemed necessary, and “energy efficient bulbs” are defined as those with a lumens-per-Watt rating of not less than 30 until January 1, 2018; and for calendar years ending after 2017, a lumens-per-Watt rating of not less than 45. Sponsor: Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1073:   Clean Fuels and Vehicles Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act would amend the Clean Air Act to promote the use of fuels with low lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, establish a greenhouse gas performance standard for motor vehicle fuels, and require a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. The bill directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to “establish a credit trading program to address the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from fuels available for use in motor vehicles.” The Administrator is also required to mandate that major producers, refiners, or importers of said fuels reduce the average lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to motor vehicles to 3 percent below the fuel emissions baseline (to be determined by the Administrator) for 2015, with steady reductions thereafter. Fuel providers can earn tradable credits for achieving lifecycle emissions reductions greater than those required. In addition, the bill requires the Administrator to, by 2009, determine a vehicle GHG emissions baseline, based on the aggregate quantity and variety of new automobiles sold in the U.S. in model year 2002; and further requires the Administrator to mandate reductions in GHG emissions per vehicle mile for model years starting in 2015. (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1138:   Nuclear Safeguards and Supply Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill would authorize the President to create bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to provide nuclear fuel to countries that uphold nonproliferation and forgo national uranium enrichment programs and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities. In its findings section, the bill cites an IAEA report which asserts that the “immense challenge of lowering greenhouse gases” is a factor in “forcing a fresh look at nuclear power.”   Sponsor: Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) (2 Cosponsors) 9/11/07: Reported by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by voice vote.

 

S. 1168:   Clean Air/Climate Change Act of 2007. This bill amends the Clean Air Act to establish a regulatory program for pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the electric generating sector. Among other provisions, it requires each electric generating unit constructed or modified after January 1, 2105, to meet a performance standard of 1,100 pounds of CO₂/mWh or less. The bill also sets declining annual tonnage limits for carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions from units within the 48 contiguous States, and requires the Administrator of the EPA to establish CO₂ and nitrogen oxide allowance trading programs for generating units. In addition, the bill authorizes the Administrator to award offset allowances for certain offset projects, and provides guidelines for awarding such offsets. Sponsor: Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1177:   Clean Air Planning Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill promulgates declining annual national pollutant tonnage limitations for emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and emissions from the electric generating sector. It also establishes allowance trading programs for these pollutants. In addition, it establishes a Climate Action Trust Fund, to be funded by revenues from auctions of allowances from the separate trading programs, and to be used for clean and low-carbon energy technology research and development, adaptation assistance for workers and communities negatively affected by climate change and greenhouse gas regulation, and wildlife and habitat conservation and adaptation. Sponsor: Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) (7 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1187:   Clean Capitol Act of 2007. This bill requires the Architect of the Capitol to develop a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Capitol complex, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality at the complex by December 31, 2020. The bill gives priority to methods which would make the complex more energy efficient and use off-and on-site renewable sources of energy, but allows the purchase of carbon dioxide emission offsets if necessary. Sponsor: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1201:   Clean Power Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill would amend the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions from electric power plants, by requiring caps on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if the President has not signed legislation affecting at least 85% of GHG emissions and on an economy-wide basis by December 31, 2012. The bill also directs the Administrator to establish an emissions allowance permitting and trading system. In addition it imposes a low-carbon generation requirement on certain fossil fuel-burning power plants. Sponsor: Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1227:   Clean Coal Act of 2007 ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1227:   Clean Coal Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill would require that each coal-fired electric generating unit that commences construction on or after April 26, 2007 shall meet a performance standard of not more than 285 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted pre megawatt-hour. Carbon dioxide that a facility geologically sequesters would not be counted as emitted. Sponsor: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1297:   Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007. This bill amends the Clean Air Act with the intent of promoting advanced clean fuels. Among other provisions, it directs the Administrator of the EPA to: by Jan. 1, 2010, establish a methodology for use in determining the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of transportation fuel in commerce, including renewable fuels; to require each fuel provider to reduce the average life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy of the aggregate quantity of transportation fuel. It also instructs the Administrator to require renewable fuel and advanced clean fuel volume standards for transportation fuels. The bill makes reduced lifecycle (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fuels part of the definition of renewable and advanced clean fuels. (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1321:   Energy Savings Act of 2007. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the energy security of the United States by promoting biofuels, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage. Among other provisions, it directs the President to establish a renewable fuels standard, which includes a requirement that biofuels facilities built after enactment achieve at least a 20% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish competitive grant programs for electric drive vehicles and for near-term oil-saving transportation projects, and makes GHG emissions reductions and reporting a criteria for project selection. In addition, the bill includes a carbon capture and storage (CCS) research, development, and demonstration title which, among other things, requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out a demonstration of large-scale carbon dioxide capture from a gasification facility selected by the Secretary. Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1324:   National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to expand the renewable fuel standard, and to require the Administrator of the EPA to establish a low-carbon fuel standard, as well as an ultra-low carbon fuel standard, for transportation fuels. (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 133:   American Fuels Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act amends the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545) by expanding the definition of alternative diesel fuel to include a variety of biodiesel sources, as well as diesel manufactured by a coal-to-liquid fuel process that provides for carbon capture and sequestration. Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1370:   Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007. This bill contains a variety of amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 intended to ensure investment and innovation in clean energy technologies. Among other provisions, it extends the renewable electricity production credit to those facilities which use zero-carbon emissions resources to produce electricity. Sponsor: Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1389:   Climate Change Education Act. This bill would direct the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a Climate Change Education Program. The Program would include: a national information campaign to promote technologies, programs, and incentives related to energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction; and a competitive grant program to fund the creation of educational materials related to climate science and climate change. Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1411:   Federal Government Greenhouse Gas Registry Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to establish a Federal Emissions Inventory Office within the EPA. The bill directs this office to measure and verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from: sources owned or controlled by the federal government (such as a motor vehicle fleet); production of electricity purchased and used by the federal government; or the conduct of a project or activity (including outsourced projects or activities) by the federal government, such as employee travel or the use of an energy-intensive material, such as paper. Sponsor: Sen. Frank Lautenberg (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1419:   Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This bill contains a number of proposals intended to promote renewable fuels and energy efficiency, among other purposes. Its titles addressing biofuels, energy efficiency promotion, and carbon capture and storage are similar to those included in S. 1321. In addition, the bill gives the Secretary of Transportation the authority to raise fuel economy standards, and directs the Secretary to consider greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels as a criteria when deciding whether and by how much to raise fuel economy standards. Sponsor: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1422:   Farm Risk Management Act for the 21st Century. Among other provisions intended to assist in the stabilization of farm income, and to promote investment in value-added farms as well as higher levels of environmental stewardship, this bill would amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees for biorefinery development projects. The bill requires the Secretary to develop goals for greenhouse gas reductions to be achieved by such projects, and to considers such goal as criteria when selecting which projects will receive funds. Sponsor: Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1508:   Clean Energy Production Tax Incentives Act of 2007. This bill amends various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to promote investment in a variety of energy technologies through the creation, expansion and extension of certain tax credits. Among other provisions, the bill extends the tax credit for qualifying advanced clean coal projects, and instructs the Secretary of Energy to give high priority to projects that incorporate capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), including CO2 enhanced oil recovery. It also establishes a credit for clean coal energy bonds, a tax credit for the capture and storage or use of CO2 , and CO2 capture bonds. Sponsor: Sen. Byron Dorgan (N-ND) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1511:   Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2007. This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior, to establish a program of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy research. In addition, the bill finds that the “use of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies can avoid contributions to global warming gases.” The bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish an Adaptive Management and Environmental Fund, and lend monies from that fund for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy projects. The bill would also establish tax incentives for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy projects. Sponsor: Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1523:   To amend the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from the Capitol power plant. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the EPA to establish a competitive grant demonstration program for projects to capture and store or use the carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol power plant as a result of burning coal. Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) (4 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1538:   Intelligence Authorization Act of 2008. Among other provisions authorizing appropriations for the intelligence and intelligence related activities of the United States Government, this bill directs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to, not later than 270 days after enactment, submit to Congress a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on the national security of the United States. (This provision was included in the form of an amendment sponsored by Sens. Feinstein, Hagel, Warner, Whitehouse, Snowe, and Mikulski). ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1538:   Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Section 321 of this bill would require the Director of National Intelligence to prepare a National Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on the national security of the United States. This provision was added to the bill in the form of an amendment during committee markup. The amendment was sponsored by Sens. Feinstein, Hagel, Warner, Whitehouse, Snowe, and Mikulski, and the amendment was adopted by voice vote. Sponsor: Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV) ( Cosponsors) 5/23/07: Reported by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence by 12-3; 6/26/07: Reported by the Senate Committee on Armed Services by voice vote; 10/3/07: Incorporated into H.R. 2082 as an amendment. This amended version of H.R. 2082 passed the House on 12/13/07 by 222-199, and passed the Senate on 2/13/08 by 51-45; however, the climate change clause was removed during conference and was not included in the final bill. For more information, see conference report 110-478

 

S. 1579:   Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2007. Among other provisions amending the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, this bill authorizes coastal states, in preparing and carrying out its coastal management, to conduct assessments, mapping, modeling, and forecasting of the effects of climate change on the coastal zone. Sponsor: Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) (2 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1581:   Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act of 2007. This bill would establish an Interagency Committee on Ocean Acidification whose role is to oversee the creation of a plan designed to improve the understanding of the role of increased ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, including the effects of anthropogenic atmospheric carbon dioxide on ocean chemistry. In its finding section, the bill cites the oceans’ role in helping mitigate the effects of global warming by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Sponsor: Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1616:  

Biodiesel Promotion and Quality Assurance Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the EPA to establish a biodiesel standard of 450 million gallons in 2008, and increasing to 1.250 billion gallons in 2012. After 2012, the volume of the standard would be determined by the Administrator. The bill would also require the Administrator to promulgate regulations to ensure that only high-quality biodiesel is introduced into commerce. In its findings section, the bill states that a strong biodiesel industry will provide greenhouse gas reduction benefits.

Sponsor: Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) (8 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1617:   Fuel Reduction using Electrons to End Dependence On the Mid-East (FREEDOM) Act of 2007. Among other provisions amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to promote the development and use of plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, this bill would establish a utility rebate for customers purchasing such vehicles. The quantity of the rebate would be inversely proportional to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the taxpayer’s electric utility. Sponsor: Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) (5 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1646:   Wildfire Presuppression Fuels Management Pilot Program Act of 2007. This bill would, among other purposes, amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make cost-share and incentive payments for innovative fuels management conservation practices. Conservation practices which store carbon in the soil are among those which would be eligible for incentive and cost-share payments. Sponsor: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1696:   Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. Among other provisions, this bill appropriates $10 million to the EPA for the purpose of providing competitive grants for research into, among other purposes, developing strategies to mitigate climate change. In addition, the bill states the sense of the Senate Appropriations Committee that “a robust climate change management research program will be essential for the Forest Service to sustain forest health and biodiversity and protect a wide range of natural resources,” and appropriates $2.5 million to expand the Forest Service’s climate science research program; the Committee directs the agency to use these funds to develop forest management techniques that adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The bill also appropriates $2.275 to the EPA to fund research activities in support of future rulemaking activities on greenhouse gas (GHG) regulation. It also appropriates $2 million to the EPA to use its existing authority under the Clean Air Act to develop and publish a rule requiring mandatory reporting of GHG emissions above appropriate thresholds in all sectors of the economy; the bill further directs the EPA to publish a final rule no later than December 31, 2008, and to include in its rule reporting of emissions resulting from upstream production and downstream sources. Sponsor: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 1766:   Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007. This bill is intended to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the production and use of energy. It would establish a cap-and-trade system for GHG emissions, beginning in 2012. The bill’s goal is to reduce United States GHG emissions to 2006 levels by 2020 and to 1990 levels by 2030. Facilities subject to the cap are petroleum refineries, natural gas processing plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, importers of liquid fossil fuels, importers and manufacturers of non-carbon dioxide GHGs, large coal-consuming facilities, and manufacturers of adipic or nitric acid, aluminum smelters. The bill establishes a technology accelerator payment (TAP), which regulated entities can pay in lieu of submitting an emission allowance; the initial price of the TAP is $12/metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂)equivalent in 2012, increasing at a rate of 5% above the rate of inflation per year. Funds received under the TAP mechanism will be used to fund technology development and deployment. Emission allowances will be allocated to industry sectors: 12% to coal mines; 7% to petroleum refineries; 4% to natural gas processing facilities; 54% to electricity generating facilities; 4% to nonfuel regulated activities; and 19% to carbon-intensive manufacturing facilities. 9% of allowances will be allocated to states, and allowances will also be allocated for agricultural projects and for early reductions according to rules yet to be established. The bill creates bonus allowances for carbon capture and sequestration, starting at an allowance-to-ton of sequestered CO₂ of 3.5/1 in 2012, and declining to .5/1 in 2039. The bill specifies that 24% of all allowances to be auctioned at the start of the program, increasing to 53% by 2030. Auction proceeds will be used to fund the Energy Technology Deployment Fund, for research, development, and deployment of low-carbon technologies, as well as international technology deployment. Auction funds will also be deposited in a Climate Adaptation Fund to mitigate the effects of climate change; and the Energy Assistance Fund, to be used to ease the financial impact of higher energy costs. Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) (6 Cosponsors)

 

S. 183:   Improved Passenger Automobile Fuel Economy Act. Among other provisions, the Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a national registry system for greenhouse gas emissions reduction credits, and includes regulatory language for trading of said credits. Sponsor: Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 1874:   Containing and Managing Climate Change Costs Efficiently Act. This bill would establish a Carbon Market Efficiency Board, supervised by the Department of Treasury, to promote the achievement of the environmental objectives of the United States, including any national mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap and reduction targets.

The bill gives the Board the power to, in the first two years of GHG allowance trading program, increase the amount of allowance that covered entities may borrow, but only in the event that the average daily closing price of an emissions allowance exceeds the upper range predicted by the Congressional Budget Office prior to the start of the program. In subsequent years, the Board will have the power to: (1) temporarily increase the amount that covered entities can borrow, lengthen the payback period of loans, and/or lower the interest rate on loans; and, in the event of more extreme economic circumstances, (2) to temporarily expand the total number of allowances in the economy, provided that subsequent years’ caps are tightened sufficiently to ensure that cumulative emissions reductions over the long term remain unchanged. The Board is only to use these powers as needed to avoid significant harm to the economy.

This bill is intended to serve as a cost containment amendment for any GHG cap-and-trade bill brought to the full Senate.

Sponsor: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 193:   Energy Diplomacy and Security Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act expresses the sense of Congress that “development of renewable energy through sustainable practices will help lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhance international development.” The bill also directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy to establish and expand strategic energy partnerships with other countries for a variety of purposes, including carbon sequestration. Sponsor: Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) (9 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2144:   Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Study Act of 2007. This bill would require the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the EPA, and the Secretary of the Interior, to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of the construction and operation of: pipelines to be used for the transportation of carbon dioxide to be used in sequestration or advanced oil recovery; and carbon dioxide sequestration facilities. Sponsor: Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) (9 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2149:   Coal Fuels and Industrial Gasification Demonstration and Development Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish a program of incentives for projects to produce synthetic gas, coal-to-liquid fuels, and liquid fuels from biomass. Funds from loans provided by this act for projects could be used to pay for reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of those projects. The bill would also directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a methodology for use in determining the lifecycle (GHG) emissions of coal-derived liquid transportation fuels. In addition, individuals or entities carrying out projects must submit data on GHG emissions, and compare the lifecycle emissions of the fuels they produce to the conventional fuels they would replace. Sponsor: Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 2155:   International Clean Energy Technologies Deployment and Global Energy Markets Investment Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide assistance for activities in developing countries that include, among others, promoting clean energy and energy efficiency measures; identifying opportunities to reduce, avoid, or sequester greenhouse gases; and monitor progress in implementing greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The bill also requires, not later than 2 years after enactment, the establishment of a pilot program to provide financial assistance for demonstration projects for clean energy and other technologies which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (compared to technologyies wich would be otherwise deployed), and requires that such projects be constructed in a developing country to produce energy which will be consumed in that country, or which will improve the efficiency of energy use in a developing country. In addition, the bill requires that if a developing country receiving assistance represents the predominant share of energy use among developing countries, then that country shall be required to report on various indicators of progress, including increased use of lower greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuel-burning technologies. The bill also requires the President to establish a Task Force on International Clean energy Technologies Cooperation. Sponsor: Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) ( Cosponsors)

 

S. 2156:   SECURE Water Act. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a climate change adaptation program to assess the risks of climate change impacts on watersheds that contain a federally authorized reclamation project; and to assure that strategies are developed to address those risks and impacts. The bill also requires the Secretary of Energy to assess and address the risks and impacts of global climate change on water supplies that are required for the generation of hydroelectric power at each Federal water project that is applicable to a Federal Power Marketing Administration. In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and lead a climate change and water intragovernmental panel to review the current scientific understanding of each impact of global climate change on the water resources of the United States and to develop strategies to improve data collection and analysis as necessary. Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) (5 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2191:  

NOTE:  For a full range of Pew Center resources for Lieberman-Warner, including in depth analysis, a longer summary,  a complete timeline, and links to relevant external documents and media, please click here

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (L-W CSA). This bill would establish a cap-and-trade program within the United States requiring a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from covered sources, which represent over 80% of total U.S. emissions. The bill as amended also includes complementary policies, such as a low carbon fuel standard and provisions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Taken together, the bill’s sponsors believe these provisions will reduce overall U.S. GHG emissions roughly 63% by 2050.

The L-W CSA divides the six GHGs into two categories: Group I (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, and perfluorocarbons) and Group II (hydrofluorcarbons). For all GHGs, the bill uses the common unit of measurement CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)—the quantity of GHGs that the U.S. EPA has determined makes the same contribution to global warming as one metric ton of CO₂. The L-W CSA would create two separate caps, one covering facilities that produce HFCs and the other covering facilities that:

·  Use more that 5,000 tons of coal annually;

·  Process, produce, or import natural gas;

·  Produce or import petroleum or coal-based fuel that when combusted will emit a Group I GHG;

· Produce for sale or distribution or import more than 10,000 CO₂e of chemicals that are group I GHGs, assuming no capture or permanent sequestration

· Emit as a by-product of HCFC production more than 10,000 CO₂e of HFCs

Overall, the two caps combined are expected to cover over 80% of total U.S. GHG emissions, although some process related emissions are not covered.

The cap on facilities producing HFCs would start in 2010 at 300 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO₂e) and decline to 90 MMTCO₂e by 2037, remaining at that level through 2050. Emissions from all other covered facilities would be capped at 5775 MMTCO₂e in 2012, with this cap decreasing annually to 1732 MMTCO₂e in 2050. The two caps combined would result in roughly a 19% reduction from 2005 levels in 2020 and a 70% reduction from 2005 levels by 2050.

Beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2030, the L-W CSA would provide transition assistance in the form of free allowances to electric power generators (19%), manufacturers (10%), fuel producers or importers (2%), HFC producers and importers (2%), and rural electric cooperatives (1%). In addition, 5% of the total emission allowance account will be allocated to early actors from 2012-2017 and 4% for carbon, capture and sequestration activities from 2012-2030. Approximately 30.5% of the total allowance account will be set aside from 2012-2050 for other entities, including states, load-serving entities, farms and forests, coal mines, and others. Starting in 2012, 26.5% of allowances would be auctioned (including 5% for an early auction to be held shortly after enactment), with the proceeds going to energy technology deployment, low-and middle-income energy consumers, adaptation efforts in the U.S., and programs to support energy independence and national security. Over time, the auction will grow so that by 2031, 69.5% of the allowances would be auctioned and the revenue used for these purposes.

The L-W CSA allows covered facilities to satisfy up to 15% of their compliance obligation with specific domestic offsets. An additional 15% can be covered using international emission allowances. Unlimited banking is allowed and owners and operators of covered facilities can borrow up to 15% of their annual compliance obligation from future years. The L-W CSA also creates a Carbon Market Efficiency Board to monitor the carbon trading market and implement specific cost relief measures, including increased borrowing and use of offsets.

The L-W CSA includes a review of the commitments of other major-emitting nations to reduce their GHG emissions. Eight years after enactment the President is authorized to require importers of GHG emission-intensive products from countries that have not taken action comparable to the U.S. to submit credits equal to those required of domestic manufactures.

Sponsor: Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT) (9 Cosponsors)

11/1/07: Reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming by 4-3; 12/5/08: Reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works by 11-8.

 

 

S. 2204:   Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act. This bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to establish a national strategy for assisting wildlife populations and wildlife habitats in adapting to the impact of global warming. The bill would also require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a national strategy to protect, maintain, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems so they are better able to withstand the impacts of global warming. Sponsor: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2211:   Global Warming and Acidification Coastal and Ocean Resiliency Act. This bill would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a national strategy to protect, maintain, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems so that they are better able to withstand the additional stresses associated with global warming, including relative sea level rise, and with ocean acidification. The bill requires that 40% of the funds it authorizes be made available for the carrying out of Federal responsibilities under the national strategy, and 60% of the funds shall be used to make grants for other entities to implement the strategy. The bill also directs the Secretary to establish a coastal climate change resiliency planning and response program to provide assistance to coastal states to develop and implement coastal climate change resiliency plans. Sponsor: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2232:   Foreign Aid Lessons for Domestic Economic Assistance Act of 2007. This bill would direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project. The purpose of the project is to apply lessons learned from administering foreign aid to economic development assistance to Native Americans, including in such a manner that would build the capacity of Native people to deal with rapid change and uncertainty due to climate change. Sponsor: Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) (3 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2242:   Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to, among other purposes, provide tax incentives for conservation and alternative energy sources. The bill requires that, in order for coal-to-liquid fuel projects to qualify for incentives, they must capture between 50 and 75% of the carbon dioxide they generate. Sponsor: Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) ( Cosponsors) 10/4/07—Reported by the Senate Committee on Finance by voice vote.

 

S. 2284:   Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. This bill would amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to, among other provisions, include within the National Flood Mapping Program of the National Flood Insurance Program: information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) relating to the best available climate science and the potential for future inundation from sea level rise, increased precipitation, and increased intensity of hurricanes due to global warming. Sponsor: Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT) ( Cosponsors) 10/17/07—Reported by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs by voice vote. 5/13//08—Incorporated into H.R. 3121 as an amendment, which passed the Senate 92-6 on 5/13/08.

 

S. 2307:  

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to direct the Chairman of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology to develop a 10-year strategic plan for the United States Global Climate Change Research Program. The bill also requires the President to establish an interagency committee to ensure cooperation and coordination of all Federal research activities pertaining to human-induced or natural changes in the global environment, including global climate change. The bill establishes an Integrated Program Office within the Office of Science and Technology Policy for the Global Climate Change Research Program. It also requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Service would include a national center and a network of regional and local facilities for operational climate monitoring and prediction.

Sponsor: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) (1 Cosponsors) 12/4/07: Reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation by voice vote.  

 

S. 2323:   Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Act of 2007. This bill would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program to between 3 and 5, 8-year commercial demonstration projects for carbon dioxide capture and storage. To qualify for assistance, the projects must inject and store at least 1,000,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program for between 3 and 5 commercial demonstration projects for the capture of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. To qualify, plants must have a nameplate capacity of between 250 and 500 megawatts, and plants which combine the capture of carbon dioxide with sequestration in deep geological formations shall receive priority in grant considerations. The bill also establishes an interagency task force to develop regulations providing guidelines and practices for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. Sponsor: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) (1 Cosponsors)

 

S. 2349:   Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2007. Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2007. The bill would require the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to institute a climate change mitigation action plan. The bill requires the action plan to include: a goal of substantially increasing OPIC support of and giving preferential treatment to projects that use, develop, or promote the use of clean energy technology; assess the degree to which certain projects contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The bill also requires OPIC to maintain a goal for reducing direct GHG emissions associated with projects in OPIC’s portfolio by 20% over the 10 year period over enactment; as well as a goal for limiting annual investment in projects that have GHG emissions of more than 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Sponsor: Sen. Joseph R. BidenJr. (D-DE) (1 Cosponsors)