Lincoln Calls on Senate Leadership to Improve Climate Change Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 06, 2008
Contact: Katie Laning (202)224-4843

Click here to read a PDF copy of the letter

Washington – Today, U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) called on Senate leaders to improve climate change legislation that would otherwise impose an undue hardship on working families, rural states, and key industrial sectors.

“It is clear that Congress must take action if we are to have any hope of correcting our changing climate,” Lincoln said.  “I strongly believe the cost of doing so should not rest disproportionately on the backs of working families, however.  In its current form, the Climate Security Act fails to protect these families from higher electric bills that could be caused by a federal cap and trade program.

“In addition, the legislation has miles to go in its ability to contain costs and provide adequate safeguards to protect our economy and jobs here at home.  We need to do more to help our country transition from an old energy economy to a new energy economy, and this legislation fails to help our industries make these changes in the right way.

“Agriculture and forestry can play a strong role in our global fight against climate change, yet the current bill does not fully utilize the capabilities of our farmers and forests.  Their contributions should be recognized.

“I believe we can craft a proposal that will appropriately balance the needs of businesses and consumers—especially those most vulnerable to an increase in energy costs—to protect our environment for our children and grandchildren.”

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Lincoln and several of her Senate colleagues called for the leaders to put forward a bill that addresses key issues that impact consumers, industrial sectors, and other stakeholders.  

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