Congressional Watch, December 2009 Edition
HOW THEY VOTED
Sen. Baucus casts lone vote against Kerry-Boxer climate bill in Environment and Public Works committee
Sen. Max Baucus stood against his fellow Democrats on the Environment and Public Works Committee when asked to support climate change legislation co-sponsored by Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA). The bill passed 11-1 after all the committee's Republicans boycotted the hearings and the vote on the bill. Baucus said after the vote that he still supports climate change legislation and wants to see a bill passed. He has repeatedly said he wants a bill that will garner 60 votes. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) indicated he believes he has Republican votes for comprehensive climate change legislation.
Baucus had almost two dozen amendments to the bill drafted for committee consideration, but committee rules prevented consideration of any amendments without minority members present. He is still considering those and other amendments, which would likely be offered for other climate change legislation or a package being crafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). The amendments affect regulation of coal plants, renewable biomass, and ag offsets, as well as emissions targets.
Billings Gazette (November 5) Baucus votes no on climate-change bill, but says he supports the effort
Great Falls Tribune (November 11) Baucus votes no on climate change bill despite support
Senator Max Baucus' Statement to the Environment and Public Works Committee on climate change legislation (Nov. 5)
Meanwhile, on December 2, the full Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to discuss various alternative policy options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon taxes, direct regulation, sector-specific approaches and technological innovation, as well as cap-and-trade.
Senator Leader Harry Reid hopes to craft a climate change package, using components already passed by Senate committees as well as provisions still under consideration, that will be considered by the Senate early next year.
The House passed its version of a climate change bill last summer.
President Obama announces 17% reduction target ahead of Copenhagen
The Hill: Obama sets emissions target ahead of Copenhagen climate summit (November 25)
President Barack Obama unveiled a provisional target number for lowering U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that the U.S. will present at next month's international climate change summit in Copenhagen. The White House said Obama would offer a provisional U.S. emissions cut of 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, mirroring a sweeping House climate bill that was approved over the summer. More.
The White House: President to Attend Copenhagen Climate Talks; Administration Announces U.S. Emission Target for Copenhagen (November 25)
TAKE ACTION
Climate legislation is being considered in the Senate. Senators Baucus and Tester need to know that Montana citizens want strong climate change legislation that will mean clean energy jobs for Montana.
The large coal and oil corporations have spent millions lobbying to weaken and stop any clean energy bill in Congress.
THE VERY BEST THING YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW IS WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR - AND COPY IT TO SENATOR BAUCUSand SENATOR TESTER.
Talking points for letters:
- We need a meaningful emissions cap that will reduce pollution effectively curb climate change.
- The benefits of moving to a clean energy economy are huge. Montana households would benefit from investments in clean energy with expanded job opportunities, rising wages, and reduced home heating and utility costs. The jobs are diverse and many have historically been well-paying, allowing more Montanans to support themselves and their families. Clean energy investments create three times the jobs as the same level of investment in fossil fuels.
- Fuel savings over time allow investments in renewable energy to pay for themselves. Renewable energy can save scarce water resources, compared to fossil fuel-generated electricity. Planning as to facility location, improved forecasting, provision of backup and reserve capacities and appropriate extension of transmission and distribution grids, along with improved efficiency and capacity, help make renewable energy a reliable energy source.
- Carbon pollution is costing more and more each year in damage from droughts, spread of insect-borne diseases, more intense weather events like fires, hurricanes and storms, and increasing insurance rates. We cannot afford to do nothing!
- Delay is not an option. America's reliance on foreign oil threatens our national security. We must invest a modest amount now to get cleaner air, greater energy security, and new energy jobs. America must become a global leader in clean energy for the 21st century.
Here are some tips to help you write an effective letter and help get it published.
ACTIONS AND OPINIONS
Rehberg to promote natural gas
Congressman Denny Rehberg joined the newly-formed Congressional Natural Gas Caucus in late October and announced his participation on his web site a month later. Members of the caucus are dedicated to championing the use of natural gas. Such caucuses are formed by members of Congress to provide a forum for issues or legislative agendas. According to one internet site, That's My Congress, this is one of 25 caucuses registered since August 2009, and it has not yet developed a web site nor posted a list of its members.
Montana Alberta Tie Line
Both of Montana's Senators offered statements on the groundbreaking for the Montana Alberta Tie Line, a 214-mile, 230-KV transmission line that will interconnect the electricity markets of Alberta and Montana, allowing energy flow in both directions.
Baucus: MATL Groundbreaking 'Great News for Montana' (November 30)
Tester statement on groundbreaking of MATL line (November 30)
Tester's Forest Jobs and Recreation Act gains attention
- Sen. Tester's Forest Jobs and Recreation Act gets December 17 hearing
Tester's landmark forest jobs bill to get Senate hearing before the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The December 17 hearing on S. 1470 starts at 12:30 pm MST. - Tester's sponsorship of the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act garners him an award from Outdoor Life
Outdoor Life (November 10): Outdoor Life honors 25 people, including Sen. Jon Tester, who have changed the face of hunting and fishing. Tester recognized for introducing Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. More. - Rehberg still undecided about Tester's bill
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that Congressman Rehberg is "still evaluating" Sen. Tester's bill, which expands both wilderness and logging in Montana.
Baucus cosponsors bill to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund
AScribe (November 6): Senate Bill Would Fulfill Longstanding Promise for Conservation and Recreation Program
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 (AScribe Newswire) -- Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Max Baucus (D-MT), today introduced legislation to permanently provide $900 million to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the federal government's main program to protect land and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The legislation, S. 2747, is supported by a broad coalition of conservation and recreation organizations. More.
BLOG OF INTEREST:
Daily Kos: Adopt a Senator: Sen. Baucus & Climate Change by RadioGirl
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