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Scientific Objectives for Climate Change Legislation 25 February 2009
The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on “Scientific Objectives for Climate Change Legislation” on 25 February. Witnesses discussed the possible threat of climate change and potential solutions such as a carbon tax or a ”cap and trade” solution.
Two of the witnesses, Dr. James Hansen of the Earth Institute at Columbia University in New York, New York, and Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel, a Climate Scientist who now represents the Union of Concerned Scientists, acknowledged that global warming poses exponentially more serious danger than originally thought. With each passing year, the data becomes more alarming as scientists realize their climate models are under-predicting what is being observed on the ground. Both scientists acknowledged that the maximum level of carbon in the air before it causes serious detrimental effects to humans is 350ppm, which is less than the current level of 385ppm.
One of the arguments against taking action in the US to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere is that countries like India and China will continue to use oil and coal at far greater rates and therefore diminish any progress the US makes. However, both Dr. Hansen and Dr. Ekwurzel believe that if the US innovates clean energy technology that is also less expensive, then the US can sell the technology to developing countries. This would not only bolster the US economy and result in a net gain in jobs but also diminish any harmful effects of global warming.
Dr. Hansen and Dr. Ekwurzel contend it is incorrect to believe the developing world does not care about global warming and pollution. Countries like India and China are seeing large numbers of their citizens die from air pollution and water pollution-related diseases. Furthermore, as sea levels continue to rise, a large portion of the population that lives along the coast in those nations will be endangered.
Dr. Ekwurzel proposed the US cut its emissions by 80 percent from present-day levels by 2050. As the US accounts for a large part of global emissions, she recommends accomplishing this goal by implementing a well-developed “cap and trade” system that outperforms the European Union and Australian models. Furthermore, she believes the US can be a positive role model for the rest of the world in this matter.
Dr. Hansen, however, does not favor a “cap and trade” policy. He believes such a policy will open the floodgate for lobbyists and create unpredictable price volatility. Furthermore, “cap and trade” programs in other countries have not been successful in lowering emissions. Instead, Dr. Hansen proposes a transparent and high carbon tax where 100 percent of the dividends would be reimbursed to US residents. Residents could then use this money to purchase more fuel efficient cars, insulate their homes, and further drive the green economy. Dr. Hansen also believes it is vital to eliminate all coal power plants and to investigate fourth generation nuclear technology which could burn nuclear waste.
In opposition to Dr. Hansen and Dr. Ekwurzel was the third witness, Dr. John Christy, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Alabama. Throughout the hearing, Dr. Christy maintained the unilateral restriction of greenhouse gasses in the US will only hurt US jobs and will not make enough of a global difference to have a positive effect on climate change. Dr. Christy stated that global warming may not be largely due to mankind, but rather it could be part of a natural cycle of the planet. He stated that carbon-based fuels are the most inexpensive fuels available and therefore vital for the advancement of the economies of developing nations. Dr. Christy also believes that eliminating the use of coal and oil as energy sources would only lower standards of living in already poor areas of the country.
Members and witnesses did not unanimously agree on the issue of climate change, as to whether it is indeed a grave situation and whether it is inflicted by mankind, nor how to deal with the crisis. However, Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), did state that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and President Barack Obama have requested legislation that addresses this issue sooner rather than later.