House Democrats Introduce Greenhouse Gas Bill

Democratic lawmakers announced legislation Tuesday that they say would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one fifth, reduce dependence on foreign oil and create energy-related jobs, the Associated Press reported.

The 648-page bill, known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, would also promote the use of SmartWay technology for motor carriers.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the legislation, introduced by representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) “a strong starting point” in greenhouse gas reduction, AP said.

It calls for a reduction in greenhouse gases of 20% by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, AP said. President Obama has urged legislation to further curb greenhouse gas emissions, but his proposal was only a 14% cut by 2020.

The legislation calls for a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases, but it does not specify how to allocate emissions allowances.