Statement of Energy and Air Quality Chairman Boucher

"Climate Change - International Issues, Engaging Developing Countries"

March 27, 2007

This morning we welcome witnesses who will discuss the international component of the U.S. response to the challenge of climate change.

            Shortly following the negotiation of the Kyoto climate change treaty, the U.S. Senate by a rare unanimous vote adopted a non-binding resolution expressing opposition to the Kyoto treaty.

            Consequently, the treaty was never presented to the Senate for ratification.

            A major, perhaps the major reason for that broad statement of opposition was the absence of any obligation in the treaty for leading developing countries such as China, India, and Brazil to undertake greenhouse emissions reductions.

            Why, opponents asked, should the U.S. assume the painful burden of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2010 if the developing world which accounts for most of the emissions growth is assuming no corresponding burden.

            A clear message from that experience is that for a mandatory greenhouse gas control program to succeed in the U.S., we must include in our legislation establishing the program, a reliable means of assuring meaningful participation by developing nations.

            I will welcome the views of our witnesses on the most appropriate way for us to obtain that assurance.

            I will also welcome their views on the role the U.S. should be playing in working with both developed and developing countries to structure an international agreement for post 2012 implementation.

            The U.S. should play a lead role in those negotiations and suggestions from our witnesses on the best way to encourage U.S. participation in that multi-lateral exercise will be welcome.

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