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The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming addressed our nation's energy, economic and national security challenges during the 110th and 111th Congresses.

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MARKEY: G8 CLIMATE AGREEMENT MUST BE LAST STAND FOR FAILED BUSH POLICY

PUTS ONUS ON CONGRESS TO SEND STRONG SIGNAL TO ADMINISTRATION, WORLD, SAYS CHAIRMAN

Washington, DC - Today the leaders of eight of the world’s largest countries have committed to “substantial” cuts in heat-trapping emissions, but did not set mandatory, binding limits to require the needed cuts. President Bush has resisted any attempts the G8 has made to agree to mandatory targets, and sets up a significant fight for the next anticipated major negotiations in Bali, Indonesia in December.

“There is a limit to this president’s policy of denial and delay, and this year he has reached that limit,” said Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA) of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. “It’s clear that when it comes to global warming and the G8, the U.S. has taken a singular position that leaves it outside the larger parade towards action. This puts pressure on the international community and the U.S. Congress to ensure that this is the last time his obstructionist policies are allowed to influence global action.”

The concession on emission targets comes one day after James Connaughton, the President’s environmental adviser, said the U.S. would not agree to any such proposal. The climate statement by the G8 also confirms they believe the United Nations process is the proper venue for continuing discussions.

“The rest of the industrialized world and leaders here in Congress all want mandatory limits on heat-trapping pollution,” continued Chairman Markey. “When this administration goes to Bali in December, they must take the final step and join the rest of the world in taking real, enforceable action to tackle global warming.”

Link to declaration:
http://www.g-8.de/Content/DE/Artikel/G8Gipfel/Anlage/2007-06-07-gipfeldokument-wirtschaft-eng,property=publicationFile.pdf

PLEASE NOTE: The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was created to explore American clean energy solutions that end our reliance on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution.

The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.

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