Wednesday, January 8, 2002 

McCain and Lieberman Rise to the Challenge of Global Warming --
New Bill Would Help Companies Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Statement by Alden Meyer, UCS Director of Government Relations

"The bill unveiled today by Senators McCain and Lieberman is a welcome contribution to the debate over global warming policy.  As opposed to the Bush administration's 'don't worry, be happy' approach, the McCain-Lieberman bill would actually start to limit our nation's irresponsible emission of the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming.

"While no single measure can serve as a silver bullet solution to the problem of global warming, the legislation proposed today by Senators McCain and Lieberman is a good first step.  By placing firm limits on heat-trapping emissions while giving businesses flexibility in how they reduce emissions, this bill bridges the false 'economy versus the environment' dichotomy that some have tried to create.  Enactment of this bill, in concert with other policy solutions such as improved fuel economy standards for cars and trucks and the increased use of renewable electricity sources, would tap American technological ability to restore the United States as a leader in the fight to avert the worst consequences of global warming.

"With support on both sides of the aisle, and in the business community, this bill lays out a responsible new framework for the long-term effort to curb global warming. We look forward to working with Senators McCain and Lieberman as they seek to improve and build support for this bill.  We call on the Bush administration to drop its irresponsible opposition to meaningful action on this issue, and to join these two Senate leaders, other responsible public officials and a growing list of companies in finding real solutions to climate change."