Hill Heat

During the 110th Congress, the Committee on Ways and Means began a series of hearings on climate change. In the first hearing, the Committee heard testimony that human greenhouse gas emissions are having an adverse impact on our planet’s climate. In the second hearing, the Committee heard testimony from numerous witnesses recommending that Congress implement revenue measures (e.g., auction-based cap-and-trade proposals or carbon taxes) that would reduce human greenhouse gas emissions. In connection with the development of these revenue measures, witnesses at this hearing also encouraged the Committee to (1) promote a comprehensive global effort to address climate change and to ensure a level regulatory playing field for U.S. manufacturers, (2) mitigate higher energy costs borne by consumers, (3) maximize the impact that climate change legislation will have on growing the U.S. economy, and (4) maintain the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, farmers and workers.

During the 111th Congress, the Committee continued this series of hearings, by holding a hearing on the scientific objectives of climate change legislation. This hearing provided a scientific discussion of the goals that climate change legislation should seek to achieve over both the short term and the long term. In connection with the goals of climate change legislation, the witnesses suggested different approaches to meeting those goals (e.g., cap-and-trade, cap-and-invest, carbon tax) and discussed the need for international cooperation in order to achieve these goals. In addition, the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support also held a hearing on March 12, 2009, on protecting low- and moderate-income families while curbing global warming.

In announcing this hearing, Chairman Levin said, “Climate change legislation will be a priority for consideration by the Ways and Means Committee during the 111th Congress. As the Committee works on legislation to achieve our environmental goal of reducing carbon emissions, such legislation must contain provisions to ensure that U.S. businesses, farmers, and workers remain competitive until a global climate change agreement comes into effect. Moreover, we need to ensure that any actions undertaken by the United States are consistent with our international obligations.”

FOCUS OF THE HEARING:

The hearing will focus on a discussion of the trade aspects of climate change legislation including how to minimize carbon leakage and maintain U.S. competitiveness.