Order Code RL34067
Climate Change Legislation
in the 110th Congress
Updated November 1, 2007
Jonathan L. Ramseur
Environmental Policy Analyst
Resources, Science, and Industry Division
Brent D. Yacobucci
Specialist in Energy Policy
Resources, Science, and Industry Division

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Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Summary
Congressional interest in climate change legislation has grown in recent years.
In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that directly address
various aspects of climate change. These bills cover a wide spectrum, ranging from
climate change research to comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap-and-
trade programs. Additional bills focus on GHG reporting or registration, or on power
plant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO ) as part of wider controls on pollutant
2
emissions.
Within several broad categories, the bills vary in their approaches to climate
change issues. For example, some bills covering research issues focus solely on
modeling the effects of future climate change, whereas others address the
development of monitoring systems. Bills focusing on technology deployment do so
through tax incentives and credit-based programs within the United States or by
promoting technology deployment in developing countries. Bills that include GHG
registries are designed either as a part of a larger reduction bill or as a method for
establishing a baseline for some future reduction program. Bills with mandatory
emission reductions differ by the entities covered, the gases limited, and the emission
targets required.
This report briefly discusses the basic concepts on which these bills are based,
and compares major provisions of the bills in each of the following categories:
climate change research; emissions reduction technologies; U.S. actions pursuant to
international emission reduction agreements; adaptation to the effects of climate
change; GHG reporting and registration; and GHG emissions reduction programs.

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Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Climate Change Research and Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Deployment of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
International Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adaptation Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Registry Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sector-Specific Reduction Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Comprehensive GHG Emissions Reductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
List of Tables
Appendix 1. Major Focus Areas of Climate Change Bills in the
110th Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Appendix 2. Key Provisions of Climate Change Legislation in the
110th Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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Climate Change Legislation
in the 110th Congress
Introduction
In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced numerous bills that would
directly or indirectly address climate change. This report describes and compares
bills that directly address climate change, as opposed to those that primarily address
other issues (e.g., energy efficiency and conservation) but could have ancillary
impacts on climate.1 In some cases, it is difficult to draw a line between direct and
indirect climate change bills, because a specific bill or action may seek to achieve
multiple objectives.
This report focuses on legislative actions — including comprehensive bills with
individual climate change titles or sections — that explicitly address climate change
issues. These bills fall into six major categories: (1) research on the causes and
effects of climate change and on methods to measure and predict climate change; (2)
deployment of emission-reducing technologies in the United States or other
countries; (3) requirements for U.S. participation in international climate agreements;
(4) investments in systems to adapt to changes in climate; (5) establishment of
greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring systems as a basis for research or for any potential
reduction program; and (6) implementation of mandatory GHG emission reduction
programs. These categories are not mutually exclusive, and several bills address
more than one of the above categories.
There has been considerable interest in climate change issues in the 110th
Congress. As of November 1, 2007, Members have introduced 67 bills — 35 in the
Senate and 32 in the House — that would directly address climate change issues.
Two bills — H.R. 1585 and H.R. 2082 — have passed both chambers; conferences
are pending:
! H.R. 1585 (Skelton), passed the House May 17, 2007, and the
Senate October 1, 2007. Both versions of the bill would require the
Department of Defense to assess the risks of projected climate
change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and missions.
! H.R. 2082 (Reyes) passed the House May 11, 2007, and the Senate
October 3, 2007. The House version would require the Director of
National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National Intelligence
Estimate on the potential geopolitical effects of climate change and
1 Congressional resolutions that address climate change-related issues, but do not directly
call for action on greenhouse gas emissions, are likewise not included in this report.

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CRS-2
the implications for U.S. national security. The Senate version does
not include such a provision.
In addition to the bills that have passed both chambers, the Senate has passed
one bill and the House has passed three bills with climate change provisions:
! H.R. 6, Senate version (Reid), which passed the Senate June 21,
2007, would expand the carbon capture research and development
program and direct the Department of the Interior to conduct a
national assessment of geologic storage capacity for CO .
2
! H.R. 1126 (Lipinski), which passed the House March 12, 2007,
would require the Secretary of Energy to consider potential steel
industry GHG reductions when reviewing research and development
(R&D) activities for inclusion in Department of Energy research on
steel.
! H.R. 3093 (Mollohan), which passed the House July 26, 2007,
would direct the National Academies of Science to study climate
change issues and make recommendations regarding response
actions.
! H.R. 3221 (Pelosi), which passed the House August 6, 2007,
includes multiple provisions related to climate change, such as
technology deployment, continued research, and emission reduction
targets for federal agencies.
As of November 1, 2007, six bills in the Senate and five in the House have been
reported (or ordered to be reported). Various congressional committees and
subcommittees have held more than 50 hearings on climate change issues.
The major provisions of the climate change bills covered in this report are
categorized in Appendix 1 and summarized in Appendix 2.
Climate Change Research and Studies
Global climate change is a complex issue. While most scientists agree that the
climate is changing in response to GHG emissions, uncertainties concerning the
causes and effects of climate change remain and are a continuing subject of extensive
scientific research.2 These uncertainties include the potential effects on natural
systems, as well as effects on social and political systems. Further, research is
ongoing regarding technologies that improve efficiency, reduce fossil fuel
consumption, and capture and store carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions.
2
The legislative proposals that address climate change research and other related
studies vary widely. Some of the proposals would focus on the underlying causes
and effects of climate change. Several bills would require the U.S. intelligence and
2 For more information on the science and policy of global climate change, see CRS Report
RL33849, Climate Change: Science and Policy Implications, by Jane A. Leggett.

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defense communities to study how changes in climate could affect their global
operations or U.S. national security. As of November 1, 2007, the Senate has passed
three bills (Senate versions of H.R. 6, H.R. 1585, H.R. 2082) and the House five bills
(H.R. 1126, H.R. 1585, H.R. 2082, H.R. 3093, and H.R. 3221) that call for climate
change research.
Deployment of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technology
One approach to addressing climate change is to promote the deployment and
diffusion of technologies to reduce GHG emissions, such as carbon capture and
storage (or sequestration). Within the legislative proposals, there are different
methods of promoting technology deployment. One deployment strategy may
involve tax incentives for investment in technologies to improve efficiency and/or
lower emissions. Other deployment strategies would provide grants, loans, and other
incentives for technology transfer to developing countries.
In the 110th Congress, some bills deal solely with technology deployment
through tax incentives for lower-carbon technology or grants to develop and deploy
carbon capture and sequestration, or through requirements that the federal
government use technology with lower emissions. Other bills that create mandatory
GHG reduction programs also include technology deployment as one component.
As of November 1, 2007, the Senate and the House have each passed one bill
that would promote technology deployment. The Senate version of H.R. 6 (Reid),
which passed June 21, 2007, would implement a program through the Department
of Energy to demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of CO from
2
industrial sources. The House passed H.R. 3221 (Pelosi) August 4, 2007. Among
other provisions, this bill would promote domestic and international deployment of
technology related to climate change.
International Agreements
The United States ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. Five years later, the United States signed the
convention’s Kyoto Protocol, but it was never submitted to the Senate for
ratification.3 In 2001, President George W. Bush rejected the Kyoto Protocol and
withdrew the United States from subsequent negotiations. Since that time, the
United States has entered into other cooperative agreements, including the Asia-
Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate. This partnership focuses on
voluntary action by member states to promote cleaner technology and related goals.
However, U.S. participation in discussions over binding agreements has been limited.
3 President Clinton did not submit the Protocol to the Senate for advice and consent because
the Senate was on record in mid-1997 (S.Res. 98), objecting to a treaty that had no
mandatory obligations for developing countries. For more discussion, see CRS Report
RL33826, Climate Change: The Kyoto Protocol and International Actions, by Susan R.
Fletcher and Larry Parker.

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Several bills in the 110th Congress would address the relationships and
interactions the United States shares with other nations concerning climate change
issues. In general, these bills urge the Administration to re-engage in international
climate change negotiations. As of November 1, 2007, the House has passed one bill
that includes such provisions. H.R. 3221 (Pelosi), which passed the House August
4, 2007, would establish the Office on Global Climate Change (within the
Department of State) to represent the United States at climate change negotiations.
Adaptation Bills
Some critics of GHG regulation argue that the effects on global GHG
concentrations — and consequently the effects on climate — from any reduction
scheme will be limited. Some therefore contend that investment should focus on
preparing communities and systems to adapt to the effects of a changing climate.
This notion is shared by some proponents of GHG regulation, who argue that because
of earlier greenhouse gas emissions, some level of warming will occur regardless of
mitigation activity. Those stakeholders support adaptation initiatives in concert with
mitigation efforts.
Members have offered a few bills in the 110th Congress that would address
adaptation to climate change in some fashion. Most of the bills would provide grants
or other incentives to affected communities (e.g., coastal communities) to prepare for
the potential effects of climate change. There are no stand-alone adaptation bills;
adaptation provisions are contained in broader legislation on climate action or
research.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Registry Bills
Pursuant to the UNFCCC, the United States publishes annual reports on its
GHG emissions.4 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports this
information using various techniques (e.g., fuel analysis for CO ). The 2005
2
emissions estimates indicate that the three dominant sources of GHG emissions are
electricity generation (33%), transportation (28%), and industry (19%).5
At the national level, the 1990 Clean Air Act requires most electric utilities to
report their GHG emissions, but there is no overall national GHG reporting
requirement. However, some states also gather data through voluntary registries or
mandatory GHG emissions reporting mechanisms.6
In the 110th Congress, several bills would explicitly establish new mandatory
reporting systems. Others would implicitly establish such a system by requiring the
4 These reports are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, and are available at
[http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/index.html].
5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Inventory of U.S. GHG Emissions and Sinks 1990-
2005, p. ES-14. Additional sources are agriculture (8%), commerce (6%), and residential
activities (5%).
6 For more information, see CRS Report RL33812, Climate Change: Action by States To
Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions, by Jonathan L. Ramseur.

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CRS-5
EPA to develop regulations to control GHG emissions from one or multiple
economic sectors.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Bills
The United States has no federal GHG reduction requirements, although there
have been proposals to require such reductions.7 These proposals include “command
and control” regulations and market-based techniques to limit emissions. Market-
based programs typically take as their model the Clean Air Act’s acid rain program,
which employs a cap-and-trade design to control several air pollutants.8
In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced several bills that would
establish a market-based, cap-and-trade program for GHG emissions. Cap-and-trade
systems set strict limits on specific emissions from a particular group of sources.
Sources may reduce their own emissions or purchase credits (i.e., trade) from other
sources that have reduced emissions below their individual allotment. This
flexibility in who makes reductions can lead to lower costs. In an efficient market,
entities that face relatively low emission-reduction costs would have an incentive to
achieve extra emission reductions, because these additional reductions could be sold
to entities that face higher emission-reduction costs. An entity facing higher costs
could purchase allowances that would allow it to emit more than its initial emissions
allotment. Total U.S. emissions may decrease or increase, depending on the entities
covered, the GHGs controlled, and the emissions trading schemes. In the 110th
Congress, some bills cover just the electric utility sector, while others cover most or
all emissions throughout the economy.9
Another market-based option is to establish a “carbon tax” — a direct tax on
GHG emissions or on the fuels that generate emissions when combusted. To the
extent that emissions reductions can be achieved at costs lower than the tax rate,
those reductions will be undertaken; if emissions reductions are more expensive,
covered entities would opt to pay the tax. In this way, there is an upper limit to the
7 President Bush has articulated the goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
intensity — the ratio of GHG emissions to economic output. However, that goal is
voluntary, not mandatory.
8 For more discussion of the different emission reduction policy options, see CRS Report
RL33799, Climate Change: Design Approaches for a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program,
by Larry Parker.
9 For detailed information on GHG reduction bills, see CRS Report RL33846, Climate
Change: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bills in the 110th Congress, by Larry Parker and Brent
D. Yacobucci.

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CRS-6
cost of the control program.10 As of November 1, 2007, one carbon tax bill has been
introduced in the 110th Congress, H.R. 2069 (Stark).
Sector-Specific Reduction Bills. Members have introduced several bills
in the 110th Congress that would control emissions from only the electric utility
sector. The rationale for such a policy is that electricity generation emits the highest
percentage of GHGs by sector, and the number of covered sources would be
relatively small compared to other sectors (e.g., transportation). Moreover, power
plants have experience with reporting (if not reducing) their CO emissions under the
2
Clean Air Act.
Sector-specific bills generally fall into two categories: (1) bills that would
control only GHGs and (2) bills that would control both GHGs and other pollutants
such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. This latter category of bills is
generally referred to as “multi-pollutant” legislation.11
Comprehensive GHG Emissions Reductions. A broader approach is to
require emission reductions from multiple economic sectors. Several bills in the
110th Congress would apply to most or all U.S. GHG emissions. These bills are often
described as an “economy-wide” GHG reduction approach. These bills vary in their
coverage: some bills cover the most high-emitting sectors (e.g., electricity and
transportation) while excluding other sectors (e.g., residential and commercial); other
bills grant EPA broad authority to establish regulations to reduce the most emissions
at the lowest cost.
10 A hybrid of cap-and-trade and carbon tax schemes would require tradeable emissions
permits, but establish a “safety valve” price. In this case, if the market value of a permit
remains below a set price — the safety valve — the emissions targets will be achieved at
low cost. If prices rise above the safety valve, covered entities can purchase an unlimited
number of permits from the government. In this way, the overall price to covered entities
— and the economy — is limited, but specific emission reduction targets may not be
reached. However, no such bills have been introduced in the 110th Congress.
11 For more information on multi-pollutant bills, see CRS Report RL34018, Air Quality:
Multi-Pollutant Legislation in the 110th Congress, by Larry Parker and John Blodgett.

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CRS-7
Appendix 1. Major Focus Areas of Climate Change Bills in the 110th Congress
Technology
Climate Change Research
GHG Reductions
Deployment
GHG
International
Bill Number and Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Emission
Adaptation Reporting /
Agreements
Effects on
Social and
Registry
Economy-
Sector-
Multi-
Mitigation Domestic Foreign
Natural
Political
Wide
Specific
Pollutant
Techniques
Systems
Systems
SENATE BILLS
H.R. 6 - Senate Version (Reid)
X
X
S. 183 (Stevens)
X
S. 280 (Lieberman)
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 309 (Sanders)
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 317 (Feinstein)
X
X
X
X
X
S. 485 (Kerry)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 962 (Bingaman)
X
X
S. 1018 (Durbin)
X
S. 1059 (Clinton)
X
S. 1072 (Stevens)
X
S. 1073 (Feinstein)
X
X
S. 1168 (Alexander)
X
X
X
S. 1177 (Carper)
X
X
X
X
X
S. 1201 (Sanders)
X
X
X
X
S. 1297 (Boxer)
X
X
X
S. 1321 (Bingaman)
X
X
S. 1324 (Obama)
X
X
S. 1387 (Klobuchar)
X
S. 1411 (Lautenberg)
X
S. 1419 (Reid)
X
X
S. 1424 (Schumer)
X

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CRS-8
Technology
Climate Change Research
GHG Reductions
Deployment
GHG
International
Bill Number and Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Emission
Adaptation Reporting /
Agreements
Effects on
Social and
Registry
Economy-
Sector-
Multi-
Mitigation Domestic Foreign
Natural
Political
Wide
Specific
Pollutant
Techniques
Systems
Systems
S. 1508 (Dorgan)
X
S. 1538 (Rockefeller)
X
S. 1547 (Levin)
X
S. 1554 (Collins)
X
X
X
X
X
S. 1602 (Hagel)
X
X
S. 1696 (Feinstein)
X
S. 1766 (Bingaman)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 1874 (Landrieu)
X
X12
S. 2149 (Dorgan)
X
S. 2155 (Byrd)
X
S. 2191 (Lieberman)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S. 2204 (Whitehouse)
X
X
S. 2211 (Whitehouse)
X
X
S.Res. 30 (Biden)
X
HOUSE BILLS
H.R. 620 (Olver)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
H.R. 823 (Welch)
X
H.R. 906 (Udall)
X
X
X
H.R. 1126 (Lipinski)
X
H.R. 1215 (Rogers)
X
H.R. 1451 (Lungren)
X
12 This bill would not create a GHG reduction program, but would limit the costs of such a program if enacted through other
legislation.

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CRS-9
Technology
Climate Change Research
GHG Reductions
Deployment
GHG
International
Bill Number and Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Emission
Adaptation Reporting /
Agreements
Effects on
Social and
Registry
Economy-
Sector-
Multi-
Mitigation Domestic Foreign
Natural
Political
Wide
Specific
Pollutant
Techniques
Systems
Systems
H.R. 1507 (McDermott)
X
H.R. 1585 (Skelton)
X
H.R. 1590 (Waxman)
X
X
X
X
H.R. 1691 (Markey)
X
H.R. 1933 (Udall)
X
X
H.R. 2069 (Stark)
X13
H.R. 2082 (Reyes)
X
H.R. 2144 (DeLauro)
X
H.R. 2215 (Inslee)
X
H.R. 2337 (Rahall)
X
X
H.R. 2338 (Dicks)
X
H.R. 2342 (Allen)
X
H.R. 2420 (Lantos)
X
X
H.R. 2447 (Wynn)
X
H.R. 2483 (Hall)
X
H.R. 2556 (Wilson)
X
X
H.R. 2635 (Waxman)
X
X
H.R. 2651 (Engel)
X
H.R. 3031 (Inslee)
X
H.R. 3093 (Mollohan)
X
X
H.R. 3221 (Pelosi)
X
X
X
X
X
X
13 This bill uses a carbon tax approach. Other economy-wide GHG reduction bills would establish or authorize a cap-and-trade
system.

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CRS-10
Technology
Climate Change Research
GHG Reductions
Deployment
GHG
International
Bill Number and Sponsor
Causes or
Effects on
Emission
Adaptation Reporting /
Agreements
Effects on
Social and
Registry
Economy-
Sector-
Multi-
Mitigation Domestic Foreign
Natural
Political
Wide
Specific
Pollutant
Techniques
Systems
Systems
H.R. 3274 (Israel)
X
X
H.R. 3448 (Waxman)
X
H.R. 3989 (McHugh)
X
X
X
X
H.Con.Res. 96 (Dicks)
X
H.Con.Res. 104 (Carnahan)
X

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Appendix 2. Key Provisions of Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
SENATE BILLS
H.R. 6
Reid
Renewable
Proposed June 12, 2007;
Among other provisions, amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the
(Senate
Fuels, Consumer
passed the Senate June
carbon capture research and development program; directs the Department of the
Version)14
Protection, and
21, 2007
Interior to conduct a national assessment of geologic storage capacity for carbon
Energy
dioxide (CO ); instructs the Department of Energy to implement a program to
2
Efficiency Act of
demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of CO from industrial
2
2007
sources of CO .
2
S. 183
Stevens
Improved
Introduced January 4,
Among other provisions, requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a
Passenger
2007; referred to the
voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) registry system.
Automobile Fuel
Senate Committee on
Economy Act of
Commerce, Science,
2007
and Transportation
S. 280
Lieberman
Climate
Introduced January 12,
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that covers the electric
Stewardship and
2007; referred to the
power, transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors (accounting for
Innovation Act
Senate Committee on
for about 85% of U.S. GHG emissions); the cap would take effect in 2012 and
of 2007
Environment and Public
would decline further in 2020, 2030, and 2050; by 2050, the emissions cap would
Works
decline to 60% below 1990 levels.
(companion to H.R.
620)
Calls for research on abrupt climate change and the impact of climate change on
the world’s poor, among others, and creation of a national GHG database;
establishes a new program to develop Innovation Infrastructure, along with
program initiatives to promote less carbon-intensive technology (such as nuclear
energy), adaptation, sequestration, and related activities; requires periodic review
of target adequacy by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, who oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
14 The House passed H.R. 6 January 18, 2007, but the House version does not contain research provisions regarding carbon capture
and storage.

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Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 309
Sanders
Global Warming
Introduced January 16,
Creates an economy-wide GHG cap that would take effect in 2010 and decline
Pollution
2007; referred to the
annually, reaching 1990 levels by 2020; with subsequent annual cap declines,
Reduction Act
Senate Committee on
cap would fall to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050; EPA has the discretion to
Environment and Public
employ a market-based approach (e.g., cap-and-trade system).
Works
Requires mandatory GHG emission standards for vehicles by 2010, for new
electric powerplants that begin operation after December 31, 2011, and a new
energy efficiency performance standard; establishes a Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS) that would require a certain percentage of electricity to be
generated from renewable energy sources; the RPS would increase periodically,
reaching 20% by 2020; sets up a new low-carbon generation requirement and
trading program; calls for a periodic review of target adequacy by the National
Academy of Sciences (NAS).
S. 317
Feinstein
Electric Utility
Introduced January 17,
Creates a GHG cap-and-trade program that applies to electric generating
Cap and Trade
2007; referred to the
facilities of more than 25 megawatts (MW); the emissions cap for the covered
Act of 2007
Senate Committee on
sources would decline each year.
Environment and Public
Works
Establishes a program to encourage offsets from the agricultural sector; requires
periodic review of target adequacy by EPA taking into account the
recommendations of the Climate Science Advisory Panel, a group created by the
bill.
S. 485
Kerry
Global Warming
Introduced February 1,
Creates an economy-wide GHG cap-and-trade program that would require
Reduction Act of
2007; referred to the
emission reductions of approximately 60% below 1990 levels by 2050.
2007
Senate Committee on
Finance
Requires GHG emission standards for vehicles by 2010, and a new energy
efficiency standard beginning in 2009; establishes a Renewable Portfolio
Standard and credit program; increases biofuel mandates under the Renewable
Fuels Standard, and mandates infrastructure for biofuels; expands and extends
existing tax incentives for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, and
establishes manufacturer tax credit for advanced technology vehicle investment;
sets up a new National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program;
requires periodic review of target adequacy by the NAS.

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Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 962
Bingaman
Department of
Introduced March 22,
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to promote deployment of carbon capture
Energy Carbon
2007; referred to the
and storage technology; calls for further research to develop this technology.
Capture and
Senate Committee on
Storage
Energy and Natural
Research,
Resources (companion
Development,
to H.R. 1933)
and
Demonstration
Act of 2007
S. 1018
Durbin
Global Climate
Introduced March 28,
Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National
Change Security
2007; referred to the
Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate
Oversight Act
Senate Select
change and the implications of such effects on U.S. national security; directs the
Committee on
Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the projected impact on military
Intelligence
installations, capabilities, and operations of the effects of global climate change
(companion to H.R.
as assessed in the estimate, and to recommend research and analysis needed to
1961)
further assess the impacts on the military of global climate change; requires the
Secretary of State to report to Congress on the potential for (1) large migrations
of people in countries of strategic interest or humanitarian concern as a response
to changes in climate and the implications for U.S. security interests; and (2)
diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. policy makers as a result of
social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global climate
change.
S. 1059
Clinton
Zero-Emissions
Introduced March 27,
Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to instruct the Secretary of
Building Act of
2007, referred to the
Energy to establish revised federal building energy efficiency performance
2007
Senate Committee on
standards; the standards require (if life-cycle cost-effective) new federal
Energy and Natural
buildings to meet specifications that would reduce GHG emissions by specified
Resources
percentages between FY2007 and FY2030.
S. 1072
Stevens
Federal Agency
Introduced March 29,
Promotes energy efficiency and GHG reductions from the federal agencies by
Environmental
2007; referred to the
requiring reductions of energy intensity; directs each agency to reduce energy
Responsibility
Senate Committee on
intensity by either 3% per year until the end of FY2014 or 30% by the end of
Act
Homeland Security and
FY2014, relative to the agency’s 2003 baseline.
Governmental Affairs

---

CRS-14
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 1073
Feinstein
Clean Fuels and
Introduced March 29,
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the
Vehicles Act of
2007; referred to the
life-cycle GHG emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally
2007
Senate Committee on
those that produce or supply the fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce the average
Environment and Public
life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to a motor vehicle; by
Works
2015, parties must reduce 3% below a 2007 baseline (determined by EPA); at
subsequent five-year intervals, further 3% reductions (below the preceding year’s
average emissions baseline as determined by EPA) are required; reduction
requirements would be implemented through a credit trading system.
Requires automobile manufacturers to improve the GHG performance of their
vehicle fleet; for model year 2016 vehicles, companies must reduce the fleet
average quantity of GHG emissions per vehicle mile 30% below the 2002 model
year baseline.
S. 1168
Alexander
Clean
Introduced April 19,
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in
Air/Climate
2007; referred to the
sulfur dioxide (SO ), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide
2
Change Act of
Senate Committee on
(CO ); CO reductions apply to electric-generating units (above 25 MW) in the
2
2
2007
Environment and Public
48 contiguous states; CO emissions capped at 2.3 billion metric tons (tonnes) in
2
Works
2011, declining to 1.5 billion tonnes in 2025.
S. 1177
Carper
Clean Air
Introduced April 20,
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in
Planning Act of
2007; referred to the
sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide
2007
Senate Committee on
(CO ); CO reductions apply to electric-generating units (above 25 MW); CO
2
2
2
Environment and Public
emissions capped at 2.47 billion metric tonnes in 2012, declining by 1% annually
Works
beginning in 2016, and by 1.5% beginning in 2020.

---

CRS-15
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 1201
Sanders
Clean Power Act
Introduced April 24,
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in
of 2007
2007; referred to the
sulfur dioxide (SO ), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide
2
Senate Committee on
(CO ); CO reductions apply to electric generating units (above 25 MW); CO
2
2
2
Environment and Public
emissions capped at 2.3 billion metric tons (tonnes) in 2011, declining to 1.5
Works
billion tonnes in 2025, and incrementally thereafter until 2050.
Creates a new Low-Carbon Generation Requirement and credit trading program
beginning in 2015; creates new Energy Efficiency Performance Standard and
credit program beginning in 2008; creates a Renewable Portfolio Standard and
credit program, beginning in 2008; requires final geological CO disposal
2
standards within six years of enactment and biological sequestration standards
within two years of enactment.
S. 1297
Boxer
Advanced Clean
Introduced May 3,
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the
Fuels Act of
2007; referred to the
life-cycle GHG emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally
2007
Senate Committee on
those that produce or supply the fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce the average
Environment and Public
life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to a motor vehicle; by the
Works
end of 2011, the average life-cycle GHG emissions must be at least equal to the
2008 baseline (as determined by EPA), by the end of 2015, 5% below baseline,
and by the end of 2020, 10% below baseline; the reduction program would be
implemented through a credit trading system.
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to reduce life-
cycle GHG emissions of motor fuels; implements reduction requirements
through a credit trading system.
S. 1321
Bingaman
Biofuels for
Introduced May 7,
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by enhancing the carbon capture research
Energy Security
2007; reported by the
and development program; directs the Department of the Interior to complete a
and
Senate Committee on
national assessment of geologic storage capacity for CO ; instructs the
2
Transportation
Energy and Natural
Department of Energy to implement a program to demonstrate technologies for
Act of 2007
Resources May 7, 2007
the large-scale capture of CO from industrial sources of CO .
2
2
(S.Rept. 110-65)
(companion to H.R.
2556)

---

CRS-16
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S.1324
Obama
National
Introduced May 7,
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the
Low-Carbon
2007; referred to the
life-cycle GHG emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally
Fuel Standard
Senate Committee on
those that produce or supply the fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce average life-
Act of 2007
Environment and Public
cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to a motor vehicle; by 2011,
Works
the average life-cycle GHG emissions must be substantially equivalent to the
baseline (as determined by EPA and based on average of years 2005-2007), by
2015, 5% below baseline, and by 2020, 10% below baseline; subject to EPA
assessment, further reductions would be required every subsequent five years
beyond 2020; the reduction program would be implemented through a credit
trading system.
S. 1387
Klobuchar
National
Introduced May 14,
Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986
Greenhouse Gas
2007; referred to the
(EPCRA) to establish a mandatory GHG inventory, registry, and information
Registry Act of
Senate Committee on
system; requires affected facilities (those generating more that 10,000 metric
2007
Environment and Public
tons of GHG emissions during a calendar year) to submit annual reports to an
Works
appropriate state agency (which sends the amassed state reports to EPA)
describing GHG emissions.
S. 1411
Lautenberg
Federal
Introduced May 16,
Amends the Clean Air Act to create a Federal Emissions Inventory Office within
Government
2007; referred to the
EPA to annually measure and report on the GHG emissions of federal agencies.
Greenhouse Gas
Senate Committee on
Registry Act of
Environment and Public
2007
Works
S. 1419
Reid
Carbon Capture
Introduced May 17,
Among other provisions, amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by enhancing
and
2007; [inserted into
the carbon capture research and development program; directs the Department of
Sequestration
S.Amdt. 1502 to H.R. 6]
the Interior to complete a national assessment of geologic storage capacity for
Act of 2007
CO ; instructs the Department of Energy to implement a program to demonstrate
2
(Title III of bill)
technologies for the large-scale capture of CO from industrial sources of CO .
2
2
S. 1424
Schumer
Farm, Nutrition,
Introduced May 17,
Among other provisions, sets up grant program for applicable universities to
and Community
2007; referred to the
conduct climate change research, including the use of land management practices
Investment Act
Senate Committee on
to increase soil carbon sequestration and the effects on agriculture of increased
of 2007
Finance
GHGs and global warming.

---

CRS-17
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 1508
Dorgan
Clean Energy
Introduced May 24,
Among other provisions, provides tax incentives for capturing and sequestering
Production Tax
2007; referred to the
CO (or reinjecting it for enhanced oil recovery).
2
Incentives Act of
Senate Committee on
2007
Finance
S. 1538
Rockefeller
Intelligence
Introduced May 31,
Among other provisions, requires Director of National Intelligence to submit to
Authorization
2007; reported to the
Congress a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on the anticipated geopolitical
Act for Fiscal
Senate by the Select
effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on the
Year 2008
Committee on
national security of the United States.
Intelligence May 31,
2007 (S.Rept. 110-75);
to the Senate by the
Committee on Armed
Services June 26, 2007
(S.Rept. 110-92);
incorporated into H.R.
2082 as amendment
October 3, 2007 (see
H.R. 2082 for status)
S. 1547
Levin
National Defense
Introduced June 5,
Among other provisions, requires the Department of Defense to assess the risks
Authorization
2007; reported by the
of projected climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and
Act for Fiscal
Senate Committee on
missions.
Year 2008
Armed Services June 5,
2007 (S.Rept. 110-77);
referred to Select
Committee on
Intelligence
(companion to H.R.
1585, which passed
Senate October 1, 2007)

---

CRS-18
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 1554
Collins
Energy
Introduced June 6,
Creates a “multi-pollutant” cap-and-trade program that requires reductions in
Independence,
2007; referred to the
sulfur dioxide (SO ), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg), and carbon dioxide
2
Clean Air, and
Senate Committee on
(CO ); CO reductions apply to electric-generating units (above 15 MW); CO
2
2
2
Climate Security
Finance
emissions capped at 2.05 billion tons in 2022, with further declines if the EPA
Act of 2007
determines the levels “are not reasonably anticipated to protect public health or
welfare or the environment.”
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a program within EPA to determine the
life-cycle GHG emissions of motor fuels; requires applicable parties (generally
those that produce or supply these fuels to the U.S. market) to reduce the average
life-cycle GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered to a motor vehicle; by the
end of 2011, the average life-cycle GHG emissions must be at least equal to the
2008 baseline (as determined by EPA), by the end of 2015, 5% below baseline,
and by the end of 2020, 10% below baseline; the reduction program would be
implemented through a credit trading system.
Sets up grant program to support research involving low-carbon fuels; creates a
program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
to conduct research regarding abrupt climate change.
S. 1602
Hagel
Clean, Reliable,
Introduced June 12,
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the voluntary GHG reporting
Efficient and
2007; referred to the
program (Section 1605(b) of that act) to encourage new and increased voluntary
Secure Energy
Senate Committee on
efforts to reduce, avoid, or sequester emissions of GHGs; directs the Secretary of
Act of 2007
Energy and Natural
Energy to establish a program that would provide annual public recognition to
Resources
persons and entities demonstrating GHG reduction, avoidance, or sequestration.
Instructs the National Academy of Sciences (under direction of the Department
of Energy) to study the uses, including industrial applications, for captured CO2
other than sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, or carbon trading.
Directs the Department of the Interior to complete a national assessment of
geological storage capacity for CO ; establishes a Regulatory Reform for Carbon
2
Sequestration Commission that would identify any regulatory barriers to siting
new manufacturing facilities, power plants, and other necessary infrastructure in
close proximity to the potential CO storage sites identified in the national
2
assessment.

---

CRS-19
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 1696
Feinstein
Department of
Introduced June 26,
Provides funding for EPA to use its existing authority under the Clean Air Act to
the Interior,
2007; reported by the
develop and publish a rule requiring mandatory reporting of GHG emissions
Environment,
Senate Committee on
above appropriate thresholds in all sectors of the economy; the bill requires EPA
and Related
Appropriations June 26,
to publish the final rule no later than December 31, 2008.
Agencies
2007 (S.Rept. 110-91)
Appropriations
Act, 2008
S. 1766
Bingaman
Low Carbon
Introduced July 11,
Creates a comprehensive GHG cap-and-trade program that would take effect in
Economy Act of
2007; referred to the
2012; regulates emissions from natural gas and petroleum at point of production
2007
Senate Committee on
(“upstream”) and from coal at point of combustion (“downstream”); sets target
Environment and Public
of reducing emissions to 2006 levels by 2020 and 1990 levels by 2030; provides
Works
a safety-valve whereby regulated entities can purchase additional allowances at
ceiling price, which is initially set at $12 per metric ton of CO -equivalent, but
2
increases incrementally each year; allowance allocation includes for free
allocation, auctions, and set-aside allowances for specific purposes; requires
countries not taking comparable emission control action to submit special
allowances (or their foreign equivalent) to accompany exports to the United
States of any covered greenhouse-intensive goods and primary products.
S. 1874
Landrieu
Containing and
Introduced July 25,
Supplements any enacted GHG emission reduction program (created through
Managing
2007; referred to the
other legislation) by establishing a Carbon Market Efficiency Board; the board
Climate Change
Senate Committee on
would observe the national GHG emission market and determine if the cost of
Costs Efficiently
Environment and Public
GHG emission permits would pose significant harm to the economy; in the event
Act
Works
of such a determination, the board may take cost-relief actions, primarily by
expanding allowance borrowing opportunities.
S. 2149
Dorgan
Coal Fuels and
Introduced October 4,
Amends Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish grant and loan program to
Industrial
2007; referred to the
support development of clean coal technologies, including capture and
Gasification
Senate Committee on
sequestration; creates a tax credit for facilities employing carbon capture and
Demonstration
Finance
sequestration technology.
and
Development
Act of 2007

---

CRS-20
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 2155
Byrd
International
Introduced October 4,
Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of State and
Clean Energy
2007; referred to the
the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, to support
Technologies
Senate Committee on
deployment of clean energy technology in developing nations; creates pilot
Deployment and
Foreign Relations
program that provides financial support to demonstration projects.
Global Energy
Markets
Investment Act
of 2007
S. 2191
Lieberman
America’s
Introduced October 18,
Creates a comprehensive (covers the electric generation, industrial, and
Climate Security
2007; referred to the
transportation sectors) GHG emissions cap-and-trade program that takes effect in
Act of 2007
Senate Committee on
2012; cap reduces emissions to 15% below 2005 levels in 2020, with declines
Environment and Public
reaching 70% below 2005 levels by 2050; establishes a Carbon Market
Works
Efficiency Board to observe the allowance market and implement cost-relief
measures if necessary; allows for banking and borrowing of emissions
allowances; allows covered facilities to use offsets to meet 30% of allowance
submissions (15% from domestic and 15% from international); allocation system
auctions 18% of allowances in 2012, increasing to 73% by 2036; auction
revenues support various objectives, including energy assistance for low-income
households, adaptation to climate change, technology deployment for renewable
energy and advanced coal technologies; starting in 2018, requires nations
without comparable emission controls to submit international reserve allowances
(or foreign equivalents) with exports of any covered GHG intensive goods and
primary products to the United States; creates new efficiency standards for
appliances and buildings.
S. 2204
Whitehouse
Global Warming
Introduced October 19,
Directs the Department of Commerce to develop a national strategy to prepare
and Acidification
2007; referred to the
coastal and marine ecosystems for stresses associated with global warming,
Coastal and
Senate Committee on
including relative sea level rise and ocean acidification; provides for grants to
Ocean Resiliency
Commerce, Science,
carry out this strategy; instructs the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to
Act
and Transportation
prepare a report on these issues.
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 by instructing the
Department of Commerce to develop and implement plans to help coastal
communities prepare for climate change; authorizes grant program for this
purpose.

---

CRS-21
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
S. 2204
Whitehouse
Global Warming
Introduced October 18,
Directs the Department of Interior to establish a national strategy for assisting
Wildlife Survival
2007; referred to the
wildlife populations and wildlife habitats in adapting to climate change; creates a
Act
Senate Committee on
National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center within the United States
Environment and Public
Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct research; establishes a wildlife
Works
conservation grant program for states and tribes.
Directs Department of Commerce to devise a national strategy concerning
coastal and marine ecosystems and climate change impacts; instructs the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to prepare a report on these issues.
Directs USGS to convene regional meetings to discuss imperiled species in
relevant region; instructs the NAS to issue report, based on meetings’ findings,
that assesses the impacts of global warming on imperiled species.
S.Res. 30
Biden
Expressing the
Introduced January 16,
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should participate in
sense of the
2007; reported by the
negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Senate regarding
Senate Committee on
Change with the objective of securing United States participation in binding
the need for the
Foreign Relations
agreements that advance and protect the economic and national security interests
United States to
March 29, 2007
of the United States; establish mitigation commitments by all major greenhouse
address global
(companion of
gas emitters; establish flexible international mechanisms to minimize the cost of
climate change
H.Con.Res. 104)
reduction efforts; and achieve a significant long-term reduction in global
through the
greenhouse gas emissions.
negotiation of
fair and effective
Expresses the sense of the Senate that a bipartisan Senate observer group be
international
established to monitor any international negotiations on climate change and
commitments
ensure that the advice and consent function of the Senate is exercised in a
manner to facilitate timely consideration of any applicable treaty submitted to
the Senate.

---

CRS-22
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
HOUSE BILLS
H.R. 620
Olver
Climate
Introduced January 22,
Creates a GHG cap-and-trade program that covers the electric power,
Stewardship Act
2007; referred to the
transportation, industry, and commercial sectors (accounting for about 85% of
of 2007
House Committee on
U.S. GHG emissions); by 2050, the emissions cap would decline to
Energy and Commerce
approximately 70% below 1990 levels.
and two other
committees
Calls for studies on the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and
(companion to S. 280)
communities, and the world’s poor, among others; requires an assessment of
adaptation technologies; creates a national GHG database; mandates a periodic
review of target adequacy by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, which oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
H.R. 823
Welch
None
Introduced February 5,
Authorizes federal agencies and legislative branch offices to purchase qualified
2007; referred to the
tradeable: (1) GHG offsets and (2) renewable energy credits.
House Committee on
Oversight and
Government Reform,
and two other
committees
H.R. 906
Udall
Global Change
Introduced February 7,
Establishes an interagency United States Global Change Research Program to
Research and
2007; ordered reported
improve understanding of global change and to provide periodic assessments of
Data
by the House
the vulnerability of the United States and other regions to global change; creates
Management Act
Committee on Science
an Office of Global Change Research Information; directs the Secretary of State
of 2007
and Technology June 6,
to initiate discussions with other nations leading toward international protocols
2007
and other agreements to coordinate global climate change research activities.

---

CRS-23
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 1126
Lipinski
None
Introduced February 16,
Requires the Secretary of Energy, when reviewing research and development
2007; passed House
activities for possible inclusion in the steel research and development initiative,
March 12, 2007;
to expand the plan in order to consider among steel project priorities the
reported by Senate
development of technologies which reduce GHG emissions.
Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources
September 17, 2007
(S.Rept. 110-181)
H.R. 1215
Rogers
None
Introduced February 22,
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to
2007; referred to the
make loan guarantee commitments to domestic motor vehicle manufacturers and
House Committee on
suppliers for advanced conservation and fuel efficiency technology projects for
Energy and Commerce
gasoline and diesel vehicles, flexible fuel vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles
and House Committee
that reduce dependence on oil and reduce GHG emissions.
on Science and
Technology
H.R. 1451
Lungren
New Options
Introduced March 9,
Among other provisions, allows a tax credit for investment in a “climate neutral
Petroleum
2007; referred to House
combustion facility,” defined as any facility that (1) burns matter to produce
Energy
Committee on Ways
electricity; (2) captures and uses CO released during combustion to recover
2
Conservation Act
and Means, and two
hydrocarbon fuel; and (3) produces no emissions of mercury or GHG and no
of 2007
other committees
emissions that form fine particulate, smog, or acid rain; extends through 2012 the
tax credits for investment in solar energy property and for residential energy
efficient property expenditures; directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a
program to award $1 billion to the first U.S. automobile manufacturer that
manufactures and sells in the United States 60,000 mid-sized sedans that operate
on gasoline and can travel at 100 miles per gallon.
H.R. 1507
McDermott
Salmon
Introduced March 13,
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the
Economic
2007; referred to the
National Academy of Sciences for scientific analysis of federal salmon
Analysis and
House Committee on
protection, restoration, and recovery actions. Part of this analysis would identify
Planning Act
Natural Resources
the effect of global climate change on ocean conditions and on hydrological
conditions in the Snake and Columbia rivers and their salmon and
steelhead-bearing tributaries; examines how such global climate change impacts
might affect the federal resources necessary to achieve recovery of naturally
spawning wild salmon and steelhead populations to self-sustaining, harvestable
levels.

---

CRS-24
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 1585
Skelton
National Defense
Introduced March 20,
Among other provisions, requires the Department of Defense to assess the risks
Authorization
2007; passed House
of projected climate change to the department’s facilities, capabilities, and
Act for Fiscal
May 17, 2007, and
missions.
Year 2008
Senate October 1, 2007
(companion to S. 1547)
H.R. 1590
Waxman
Safe Climate Act
Introduced March 20,
Creates an economy-wide GHG cap-and-trade program that would take effect in
of 2007
2007; referred to the
2010; the cap would decline annually to reach 1990 levels by 2020; subsequent
House Committee on
annual declines (of roughly 5% per year) would require emission reductions of
Energy and Commerce
approximately 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
and House Committee
on Foreign Affairs
Requires mandatory GHG emission standards for vehicles by 2010 and a new
energy efficiency standard beginning in 2010; establishes a Renewable Portfolio
Standard; requires a periodic review of adequacy of GHG emissions target by the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS); the NAS review would take account of
international activity and recommend actions for both the United States and other
nations to take if the GHG targets are not likely to avoid dangerous climate
change.
H.R. 1961
Markey
Global Climate
Introduced April 19,
Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National
Change Security
2007; referred to the
Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate
Oversight Act
House Committee on
change and the implications of such effects on U.S. national security; directs the
Intelligence and two
Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the projected impact on the
other committees
military installations, capabilities, and operations of the effects of global climate
(companion to S. 1018)
change as assessed in the estimate, and to recommend research and analysis
needed to further assess the impacts on the military of global climate change;
requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the potential for (1) large
migrations of people in countries of strategic interest or humanitarian concern as
a response to changes in climate and the implications for U.S. security interests;
and (2) diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. policymakers as a
result of social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global
climate change.

---

CRS-25
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 1933
Udall
Department of
Introduced April 18,
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to promote deployment of carbon capture
Energy Carbon
2007; reported by the
and storage technology; calls for further research to develop this technology.
Capture and
House Committee on
Storage
Science and Technology
Research,
August 3, 2007 (H.Rept.
Development,
110-301) (companion to
and
S. 962)
Demonstration
Act of 2007
H.R. 2069
Stark
Save Our
Introduced April 26,
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a carbon excise tax ($10 per ton of
Climate Act of
2007; referred to the
carbon content) on any taxable fuel sold by a manufacturer, producer, or
2007
House Committee on
importer. Defines “taxable fuel” as coal (including lignite and peat), petroleum
Ways and Means
and any petroleum product, and natural gas.
H.R. 2082
Reyes
Intelligence
Introduced May 1,
Section 407 requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress
Authorization
2007; passed House
a national intelligence estimate on anticipated geopolitical effects of global
Act for Fiscal
May 11, 2007; passed
climate change and its implications on U.S. national security.
Year 2008
Senate October 3, 2007;
conference pending
[The Senate version of H.R. 2082 does not include this provision.]
(companion to S. 1538)
H.R. 2144
DeLauro
Farm, Nutrition,
Introduced May 3,
Among other provisions, amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 by
and Community
2007; referred to the
establishing the climate carbon cycle, renewable energy, and climate change
Investment Act
House Agriculture
research program; instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to
of 2007
Committee and three
eligible universities to conduct the research.
other committees

---

CRS-26
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 2215
Inslee
To provide a
Introduced May 8,
Directs the EPA to establish low carbon fuel performance standards that would
reduction in the
2007; referred to the
apply in 2015.
aggregate
House Committee on
greenhouse gas
Energy and Commerce
emissions per
unit of energy
consumed by
vehicles and
aircraft, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 2337
Rahall
Energy Policy
Introduced May 16,
Title IV requires the Department of the Interior (DOI) to complete a national
Reform and
2007; reported by the
assessment of capacity for the geologic storage of CO ; requires the DOI to
2
Revitalization
House Committee on
assess the amount of carbon stored in various ecosystems, and the processes
Act of 2007
Natural Resources
related to terrestrial sequestration, including land management practices that may
August 3, 2007 (H.Rept.
improve sequestration; directs the DOI to maintain an inventory of the amount of
110-296)
CO stored from federal leases; requires the DOI to report to Committee on
2
Natural Resources on a recommended regulatory and certification framework for
conducting geological carbon sequestration activities on federal lands; directs the
DOI to promulgate a national strategy for mitigating the impacts of global
warming on wildlife populations in the United States.
H.R. 2338
Dicks
Global Warming
Introduced May 16,
Directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to promulgate a national strategy
Wildlife Survival
2007; referred to the
for mitigating the impacts of global warming on wildlife populations in the
Act
House Committee on
United States (note: similar, if not identical, to Title IV, Subtitle D of H.R. 2337)
Natural Resources and
House Committee on
Agriculture
H.R. 2342
Allen
National
Introduced May 16,
Establishes a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System
Integrated
2007; referred to the
composed of federal and non-federal components; authorizes research activities
Coastal and
House Committee on
regarding climate change, particularly effects on coastal waters and Great Lakes.
Ocean
Natural Resources and
Observation Act
House Committee on
of 2007
Science and Technology

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CRS-27
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 2420
Lantos
International
Introduced May 22,
Establishes within the Department of State an Office on Global Climate Change;
Climate
2007; reported from the
promotes clean and efficient technologies in developing countries; creates
Cooperation
House Committee on
International Clean Energy Foundation within the executive branch that serves
Re-engagement
Foreign Affairs June 28,
the long-term foreign policy and energy security goals of reducing global GHG
Act of 2007
2007 (H.Rept. 110-215)
emissions.
H.R. 2447
Wynn
Energy and
Introduced May 23,
Establishes Energy and Environment Block Grant Program within the
Environment
2007; referred to the
Department of Energy to award grants to eligible cities/counties to support local
Block Grant Act
House Committee on
GHG reduction activities.
of 2007
Energy and Commerce
and House Committee
on Science and
Technology
H.R. 2483
Hall
Energy for
Introduced May 24,
Title VIII requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress the results
America Act
2007; referred to the
of a study on the feasibility of large-scale biological sequestration of CO for
2
House Committee on
coal power systems, including an analysis of the feasibility of creating a closed
Science and Technology
loop carbon cycle through biological sequestration.
H.R. 2556
Wilson
Energy Savings
Introduced May 24,
Title III (Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act of 2007) amends the Energy
Act of 2007
2007; referred to the
Policy Act of 2005 by enhancing the carbon capture research and development
House Committee on
program; directs the Department of the Interior to complete a national
Energy and Commerce
assessment of geologic storage capacity for CO ; instructs Department of Energy
2
and four other
to implement program to demonstrate technologies for the large-scale capture of
committees
CO from industrial sources of CO .
2
2
(companion to S. 1321)
H.R. 2635
Waxman
Carbon-Neutral
Introduced June 7,
Requires each federal agency to provide an annual report of its GHG emissions
Government Act
2007, reported by the
for the preceding fiscal year; calls for the EPA to develop GHG reduction targets
of 2007
House Oversight and
for the combined federal agencies; beginning in FY2011, each agency would
Government Reform
freeze its proportionate share of emissions at 2010 levels and decrease, at a
Committee August 3,
minimum, by 2% each fiscal year, so as to achieve zero net annual GHG
2007 (H.Rept. 110-297)
emissions from the agencies by FY2050; directs various agencies to study
management policies that could enhance net biological sequestration of GHGs
and reduce negative impacts of global warming on ecosystems; mandates that
federal vehicle fleet meet GHG emission standards developed by California
(standards would take effect when they are applicable in California).

---

CRS-28
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 2651
Engel
Greenhouse Gas
Introduced June 11,
Requires large, publicly traded companies and significant emitters of GHGs to
Accountability
2007; referred to the
report their emissions to the EPA.
Act of 2007
House Committee on
Energy and Commerce
and House Committee
on Financial Services
H.R. 3031
Inslee
Advanced
Introduced July 12,
Directs the National Institute of Building Sciences to establish GHG emissions
Design in Energy
2007; referred to the
standards for the construction of new commercial and residential buildings;
for Living
House Committee on
compared to a 2003 baseline, the standards will require emission reductions of
Efficiently Act
Energy and Commerce,
40% by 2010 and 70% by 2020; states must adopt and fully implement the
of 2007
and five other
standards (or demonstrate that technical barriers exist that prevent such adoption
committees.
and implementation) in order to receive federal funding provided by the act,
which includes loan guarantees and block grants.
H.R. 3093
Mollohan
Commerce,
Introduced July 19,
Directs the National Academies to establish a Climate Change Study Committee
Justice, Science,
2007; passed House
that will study various climate change issues and make recommendations
and Related
July 26, 2007
regarding response actions.
Agencies
(companion to S. 1745,
Appropriations
which does not contain
Act, 2008
the same provision)
H.R. 3221
Pelosi
New Direction
Introduced July 30,
Among other provisions, creates Ambassador at Large for Global Climate
for Energy
2007; passed House
Change; promotes domestic and international deployment of mitigation
Independence,
August 4, 2007
technologies; requires further research concerning various climate-related issues;
National
(companion to H.R. 6
calls for a national assessment of the geological storage capacity of CO ; sets
2
Security, and
(Senate version)).
target for federal agencies to stabilize GHG emissions in FY2011, decrease
Consumer
emissions thereafter, and be carbon neutral by 2050.
Protection Act
H.R. 3274
Israel
United
Introduced August 1,
Promotes cooperation between the United States and China on joint energy and
States-China
2007; referred to the
climate change projects, such as carbon capture and sequestration technology;
Energy
House Committee on
provides grants to eligible projects on condition that federal funding is recouped
Cooperation Act
Energy and Commerce
if a project leads to the development of a product or process that is marketed or
and House Committee
used.
on Science and
Technology

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CRS-29
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.R. 3448
Waxman
Global Climate
Introduced August 3,
Expresses need for the United States to negotiate an accelerated phase out of
and Ozone Layer
2007; referred to the
ozone-depleting chemicals under the Montreal Protocol; amends the Clean Air
Protection Act of
House Committee on
Act to strengthen domestic regulation of ozone-depleting chemicals, which have
2007
Energy and Commerce
relatively strong global warming potential.
H.R. 3989
McHugh
Healthy Air and
Introduced October 29,
Creates a cap-and-trade program for CO emissions at coal-fired power plants
2
Clean Water Act
2007; referred to the
(above 25 MW); by January 1, 2015, CO emission levels capped at 2005 levels,
2
House Committee on
decreasing periodically to 20% below 2005 levels by 2050; directs EPA to
Energy and Commerce
develop program details, but requires 100% of emission allowances to be
and three other
auctioned, with revenues supporting development of renewable energies; in
committees
addition to CO provisions, requires emission reductions in mercury (Hg) from
2
coal-fired power plants (above 25 MW) and further reductions in sulfur dioxide
(SO ) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from all power plants above 25 MW capacity.
2
H.Con.
Dicks
Expressing the
Introduced March 21,
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Congress should enact a
Res. 96
sense of the
2007; referred to the
comprehensive, mandatory, market-based program to slow, stop, and reverse the
Congress that
House Committee on
growth of greenhouse gas emissions at a rate and in a manner that will not
there should be
Energy and Commerce
significantly harm the United States economy, and will encourage comparable
enacted a
action by other nations that are major trading partners and key contributors to
mandatory
global emissions.
national program
to slow, stop, and
reverse
emissions of
greenhouse gases

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CRS-30
Bill No.
Sponsor
Short Title
Major Actions
Key Provisions
H.Con.
Carnahan
Expressing the
Introduced March 29,
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should participate in
Res. 104
sense of
2007; referred to the
negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Congress
House Committee on
Change with the objective of securing United States participation in binding
regarding the
Foreign Affairs
agreements that advance and protect the economic and national security interests
need for the
(companion of S.Res.
of the United States; establish mitigation commitments by all major greenhouse
United States to
30)
gas emitters; establish flexible international mechanisms to minimize the cost of
address global
reduction efforts; and achieve a significant long-term reduction in global
climate change
greenhouse gas emissions.
through the
negotiation of
Would also establish a bipartisan House observer group to monitor any
fair and effective
international negotiations on climate change; and ensure that the advice and
international
consent function of the Senate is exercised in a manner to facilitate timely
commitments
consideration of any applicable treaty submitted to the Senate.

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