Policymakers divided on Kerry-Boxer bill
Yesterday, four Obama administration officials testified before Chairwoman Boxer, and many confirmed what we believe to be true – that the hearings are only the starting point.
“This is the beginning of a process,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told reporters after his testimony Tuesday. “How this legislation ultimately comes together as legislation on the floor will be different than what we have today.”
The Kerry-Boxer bill will see many changes before reaching a vote in committee, never mind the actual Senate floor, but that is no reason to be discouraged. Any bill must take into account the complex nature of this nation’s energy portfolio.
Keeping energy costs affordable, continuing the use of coal as an abundant and affordable domestic fuel resource, and supporting new technologies to curb emissions must be included in any legislation that is signed into law.
Energy is not a partisan debate, it is both a regional and a global one. We must support and respect the legislative process as we search for common ground in creating the right bill.
You can read about the first day of hearings here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28806.html
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