Adjust Text Size
Media Center

Media Center

Waxman-Markey Would Meet New G8 Climate Targets

Legitimacy Has Returned to International Climate Talks, Says Chairman Markey

WASHINGTON (July 8, 2009) – The recently-passed Waxman-Markey energy and climate bill would allow the U.S. to meet the new agreement forged today at the G8 summit to reduce global warming emissions by 80 percent by 2050 among industrialized nations, and a 50 percent worldwide reduction including developing countries. The Waxman-Markey bill reduces U.S. emissions 83 percent by 2050.

Below is the statement of Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), co-author of the Waxman-Markey climate bill and Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming:

“For the first time in history, all the stars are beginning to align in the fight against global warming. Congress, the president, and now the international community are all backing strong cuts in global warming pollution. It is no longer a matter of whether we will forge a robust international agreement to cut dangerous heat-trapping pollution, but when. And that ‘when’ is looking more and more like it will be in Copenhagen this December.

“The Waxman-Markey bill, combined with President Obama’s leadership on this issue, has finally given the United States the legitimacy to sit down with other countries to hammer out an international solution to global warming. Now that the United States and other industrialized countries have moved forward on global warming, it is time for China and India and other large emitters to make commitments to control their emissions as well.”

The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was formed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to increase the visibility and priority given to America's oil dependence and global warming challenges. It is chaired by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and will actively explore the solutions, science and progress on these pressing issues during the 110th Congress.

Return to Press Releases »

Add to your del.icio.us del.icio.us   Digg this story Digg this   Reddit Reddit   Stumble it Stumbleupon  


 Print This Page