Climate Change & Energy News | Events and Briefings | Policies and Legislation AAAS Resources | S&T in Congress Articles | Statements and Letters News House Representatives Attempt to Prevent Greenhouse Gas Regulation. Right before the House of Representatives failed to secure policy riders to the FY2011 Continuing Resolution that would have limited the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases, the House passed H.R. 910, which would amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the EPA from promulgating any regulation "concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes." A Senate vote on similar legislation failed. NOAA Releases Climate Report.  The 2009 State of the Climate report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on July 28 found that the past decade was the warmest on record and that the Earth has been warming over the last 50 years. “For the first time, and in a single compelling comparison, the analysis brings together multiple observational records from the top of the atmosphere to the depths of the ocean,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco. Senate Leader Drops Plans to Address Comprehensive Energy Bill For Now. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced his intention to move forward on a bill that responds to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and contains limited energy provisions but does not include a price on carbon or a renewable electricity standard. He did not rule out the possibility of continuing discussions on a carbon cap later in the session. Senate Barely Defeats Effort to Overturn EPA's Endangerment Finding. By a vote of 47-53, the Senate failed to advance a measure to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Resolution of Disapproval (S. J. Res. 26) sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) received support from all 41 Republicans and six Democrats. It would have nullified EPA's finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare, thereby striking EPA's authority to regulate GHG emissions. EPA Issues a New Standard for Sulfur Dioxide Emissions. On June 3 the Environmental Protection Agency issued a new final health standard for sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants and other industrial sources.  The new rule moves from a 24-hour standard to an hourly standard of 75 parts per billion.  The agency hopes that the new standard, adopted under the Clean Air Act and the first such revision in nearly 40 years, will prevent 2,300 to 5,900 premature deaths and 54,000 asthma attacks a year. EPA is also requiring that new monitors be set up by 2013 in populated areas that are subject to the highest concentrations of SO2.   Regulation of Vehicle Emissions On April 1, the Obama Administration finalized rules that impose the first greenhouse gas emissions regulations for vehicles. Crafted jointly by EPA and the Transportation Department, the rules require automakers to have an average fleetwide fuel economy of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016 and to meet certain greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Federal Government Reduces Emissions President Obama announced on January 29 that the federal government – the nation's largest energy consumer – will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 28% below 2008 levels by 2020. The announcement builds upon targets submitted by federal agencies in response to an October 5, 2009 Executive Order on Federal Sustainability. Copenhagen Accord Results from Meeting of 193 Nations On December 18, the UN decided to "take note" of the Copenhagen Accord which will serve as non-binding blueprint to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The conference had to "take note" of the Accord, as opposed to formally approving it, because otherwise the opposition of several developing countries would have prevented the Accord from going into effect. EPA Requires Companies to Track Greenhouse Gases On September 22, EPA announced a final rule that requires companies that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of CO2 equivalent per year to track and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data. BACK TO TOP

AAAS Events and Briefings Al Gore speaks at the 2009 AAAS Annual Meeting in Chicago   •The Vulnerability of U.S. Water Resources to Climate Change: From the Mississippi River floods to growing shortages in the West (May 9, 2011) •Geoengineering: The Risk Management Potential of Climate Engineering (April 12, 2011) •Weather, Climate, and Food (March 25, 2011) •Climate Change and Agriculture: Food and Farming in a Changing Climate (June 16, 2010) •Climate Change & National Security (June 4, 2010) •Tiny Particles with Big Consequences: Black Carbon, Climate, and Air Quality (April 29, 2010) •Climate Policy: Public Perception, Science, and the Political Landscape (March 12, 2010) •Climate Science: Key Questions and Answers (May 11, 2010) •Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation (January 8, 2010) •Climate Change: Health & Policy Implications (November 16, 2009) • Climate Change and Our Coasts: Impacts and Adaptation Options (November 9, 2009) BACK TO TOP AAAS Resources Climate Change & Energy Legislation and Regulatory Policy Learn more about the science, history of legislation, and key issues of biofuels in the AAAS Biofuels Policy Brief Learn more about the science, legislative history, and key issues of carbon capture and storage in the AAAS Carbon Capture and Storage Policy Brief or download the PDF summary. Learn more about liquid coal technology and key issues in the AAAS Coal-to-Liquid Technology Policy Brief General AAAS Climate Resource Page CSTC Climate Resource Page Frequently Asked Questions about Climate Change Policy                 BACK TO TOP Recent bills in Congress A joint resolution disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act Stationary Source Regulations Delay Act Practical Energy and Climate Plan Act of 2010 Practical Energy and Climate Plan Act of 2010 Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study on black carbon emissions Save Our Climate Act of 2009 Greenhouse Gas Registry Act Green Energy Production Act of 2009 Clean Energy Investment Act of 2009 Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007/ Public Law No: 110-140             CRS Report: A Summary of Major Provisions            (RL34294) Principles of Global Warming Legislation from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works View Legislative Tracker 2010 View Legislative Tracker 2010 View Legislative Tracker 2009

Featured Science & Technology in Congress Articles

Measures to Limit EPA’s Climate Change Regulations in the Spotlight
Efforts to take away the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to regulate greenhouse gas emission reached a fever pitch in early April. Although a bill to limit EPA's efforts to address climate change passed the House, similar measures failed to advance in the Senate. Continue Reading...

Legislation to Limit Climate Change Regulation Advances
Legislation to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to regulate greenhouse gases has advanced through committee in the House and similar measures have been introduced in the Senate. Continue Reading...

Climate Negotiations Inch Forward in Cancun
Expectations for the international climate negotiations in Cancun were far more modest than last year's Copenhagen conference, which allowed many to declare the meeting of the 190 nations that are party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change a success. But key decisions on how to move forward on a global system to reduce emissions after the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012 were left until next year. Delegates did, however, agree that cuts will be needed by both developed and developing countries and make progress on other significant issues.Continue Reading...

Climate Change Debates Continue
The Senate has defeated efforts to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions, but has yet to take action on climate and energy plans of its own. Several bills have been introduced in the Senate to address climate change and energy policy, though a strategy for moving ahead has yet to be decided. Continue reading...

Encouraging Carbon Capture and Storage
In late March, Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and George Voinovich (R-OH) introduced a discussion draft of legislation that would provide extensive incentives for the development and deployment of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) technology. Capturing CO2 from coal combustion and then storing it has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while allowing continued use of fossil fuels for energy production, but the technology is not yet available on the needed scale.Continue reading...

Climate Satellite Restructuring Proposed
Both the House and Senate held hearings to discuss the FY 2011 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) budget. As proposed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the President's FY 2011 budget justification would restructure the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) as well as rename it the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).Continue reading...

Congress Examines Energy R&D
With climate change legislation on hold for now, Congress is focusing on the role of energy R&D. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a January 21 hearing to examine initiatives that will help U.S. address climate change through energy R&D. Continue reading...

Results from Climate Talks in Copenhagen
From December 7 to 18, delegates from 193 nations gathered in Copenhagen to determine how to address climate change. The development of the Copenhagen Accord was led by the United States, China, India, and South Africa. The conference decided to "take note" of the Accord instead of formally approving it, which will allow it to go into effect despite the opposition of several developing countries, who feel it does not go far enough to combat climate change. Continue reading...

EPA Releases Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final endangerment finding which labels six greenhouse gases as threats to "the public health and welfare of current and future generations." Although the endangerment finding does not contain any binding mandates, it will be used as a tool to regulate emitters of these gases under the Clean Air Act. Continue reading...

Climate Emails Draw Scrutiny
Hackers obtained and posted a number of files from the UK's University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit, including correspondence between prominent climate researchers. Although some climate-change skeptics are citing the emails as a "smoking gun" that they say corrupts climate research findings, others, including a number of leading scientists, say the illegally-obtained emails have little bearing on climate science advancements. Continue reading...

Climate Change Debate to Continue into 2010
Earlier this year, hopes were high for the enactment of domestic and international measures to address climate change. But weeks out from the start of international negotiations in Copenhagen, nations have announced that they only intend to produce an interim agreement and delay a final treaty to 2010. Congressional leaders, too, have announced that Senate floor consideration of a bill will have to wait until next spring. Continue reading...

Senate Unveils Climate Bill
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Foreign Relations Chair John Kerry (D-MA) released their long-awaited climate change bill, dubbed the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, S.1733, on September 30. The bill sets targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. Continue reading...

Climate Change Hits The Senate
The Senate went straight to work on climate legislation after the House passed the American Clean Energy Security Act (H.R. 2454) on June 26, examining familiar sticking points such as the impact of legislation on the American economy, particularly agriculture, and how allowances will be distributed and proceeds utilized. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has asked committees with jurisdiction to report out bill by late September, signaling another flurry of activity to come in the fall. Continue reading...

Climate and Energy Bills Advance.
In a 219-212 vote late on June 26, the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), a massive 1400 page bill to cap greenhouse gas emissions and transform the nation’s energy supply.  The Senate has made progress on an energy bill, with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approving the American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 by 15-8 vote on June 17 after holding 11 markups and considering more than 200 amendments. The bill does not contain a cap-and-trade program to limit greenhouse gas emissions, but includes a number of provisions to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy. Continue reading...

Climate Bill Out of One Committee, More to Come
After several weeks of delay while leaders worked to gain enough votes, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) by a 33-25 vote on May 21. Despite four long days of mark up of more than 90 amendments, the bill remained predominately similar to a consensus version released by Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chair Ed Markey (D-MA) on May 15. Continue reading...

Biofuels Analysis Under Fire
As an energy and climate bill (H.R.2454) took center stage in the House, EPA announced plans to implement provisions in the 2007 energy bill. On May 5, EPA released a proposed rule for public comment that presents a plan for meeting the renewable fuels target and analyzes greenhouse gas reductions of various biofuels. Continue reading...

EPA Finds Greenhouse Gas Emissions Endanger Health
On April 17, two years after the Supreme Court ordered a decision,  EPA announced that automobile emissions endanger public health and welfare and therefore must be regulated under the Clean Air Act. EPA’s proposed endangerment finding states, "In both magnitude and probability, climate change is an enormous problem. The greenhouse gases that are responsible for it endanger public health and welfare within the meaning of the Clean Air Act." Continue reading...

Major Climate Bill Draft Unveiled in House
Opening what promises to be an intense debate in the coming months, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA) released a sweeping draft bill to address greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, and climate change on March 31. Dubbed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, the 650-page draft was quickly praised by many in the environmental community. Continue reading...

Package of Energy Bills Advances Through Senate Committee
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced a package of energy R&D and efficiency bills shortly before the April recess with broad bipartisan support. The bills will likely be merged into a single package for floor debate. The committee plans to debate more controversial energy bills in the coming months. Continue reading...

Renewable Energy Standard Debates Continue
Much energy policy debate has centered on the creation of a national renewable energy standard (RES) - a requirement that utilities produce a set amount of electricity from renewable sources of energy. Proponents, such as Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), see the potential for a federally mandated RES to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create "green collar" manufacturing jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy. Critics of an RES are wary of the cost and ability of states with differing renewable resources to meet a national standard. Continue reading...

Appropriators Examine Climate Science, Satellites
Without a FY 2010 budget request in place, House appropriators examined the current science of climate change and tools needed to advance it. Continue reading...

Climate Legislation Starts Anew
Amid efforts to use green technologies and jobs to stimulate the economy, Congress began work on legislation to cap greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. On February 3, Environment and Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) announced a broad set of principles for climate change legislation. The principles include setting targets that are “guided by science to avoid dangerous global warming” and lay out uses for the revenues from the carbon market. They also state the need for “a level global playing field, by providing incentives for emission reductions and effective deterrents so that countries contribute their fair share to the international effort to combat global warming.” Boxer was joined by many of the Democrats on the committee at a press conference to release the principles, with many emphasizing the job creation potential resulting from such a plan. Continue reading...

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Climate Change & Energy Statements and Letters

On May 23, 2010, AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner in a in the Richmond Times-Dispatch op-ed stated "the probe launched by Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli [on Michael Mann's climate research] goes beyond the bounds of appropriate oversight, and could threaten the free exchange of scientific findings and ideas."

The AAAS Board of Directors, in a May 18, 2010 statement, asked Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli to either justify his investigation of climate researcher Michael Mann or end it, calling it "an apparently political action" that could have a chilling effect on scientific research.  The Board, while acknowledging the responsibility of state and federal officials to oversee the proper use of grant funds, said Cuccinelli's request "goes far beyond what is needed to determine financial propriety, including substantive emails with colleagues, computer codes, and the detailed data resulting from Dr. Mann's work."

AAAS CEO Alan Leshner wrote in a December 10, 2010Washington op-ed that the American public is being subjected to inaccurate and non-scientific denials regarding global climate change and that climate change related to human activities such as fossil-fuel burning and deforestation is now underway and its scientific basis is clear.

AAAS has reaffirmed the position of its Board of Directors and the leaders of 18 respected organizations, who concluded based on multiple lines of scientific evidence that global climate change caused by human activities is now underway, and it is a growing threat to society. (December 4, 2009)

As Senators debate climate change legislation, AAAS and 17 other scientific societies signed onto a joint letter affirming climate change science and offering assistance to Senators as they debate legislation. (October 21, 2009)

On August 27 2009, AAAS sent Sens. John D. Rockefeller, IV and Kay Bailey Hutchison a letter supporting the "provisions to establish a strong climate change research program and a National Climate Service in the Senate climate bill."

AAAS submitted comments and the AAAS Board Statement on Climate Change on in response to EPA's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under the Clean Air Act. (November 14, 2008)

AAAS sent a letter to Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee "to take action now to enable a debate on the Senate floor on how best to mitigate and adapt to climate change." The letter draws upon the AAAS Board Statement on Climate Change. (November 30, 2007) AAAS then thanked key Members for their efforts. (December 14, 2007)

The AAAS Board of Directors released a statement on the “The Crisis in Earth Observation from Space.” According to the statement, “The network of satellites upon which the United States and the world have relied for indispensable observations of Earth from space is in jeopardy” due to budget constraints and a shift in priorities. (April 28, 2007)

The AAAS Board of Directors released a statement on climate change, noting that the "scientific evidence is clear: global climate change caused by human activities is occurring now, and it is a growing threat to society." (February 18, 2007)

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Updated August 10, 2010