There have been a number of climate change bills introduced in the House and Senate over the past two years.  All contain similar emissions reduction strategies, relying on emissions regulations, a cap-and-trade program, or both.  The most ambitious federal bill introduced to date is the Jeffords-Boxer bill which requires a progressive reduction of carbon dioxide emissions with a goal of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. 

Other bills introduced in 2006 include the Kerry Global Warming Reduction Act, the Carper Clean Air Planning Act, and the Waxman Safe Climate Act.  The Kerry and Waxman bills set targets for comprehensive emissions reductions by 2050, and the Carper bill limits emissions from power plants.  Currently, all of the bills that have been introduced are in committee, but more bills on climate change are expected to be introduced in the 110th Congress. 

In addition, Senators Bingaman, Lieberman, and Boxer sent a letter to President Bush in November 2006 urging him to approve mandatory federal legislation on climate change, and vowing to make climate change a priority in the 110th Congress. 

To learn more about specific bills introduced in the House and Senate, click here to access our 2006 report.