Waxman-Markey Floor Debate Update
The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) began floor debate this afternoon. Also under consideration is the Republican alternative. While Democratic leaders are confident that they have the votes to pass the bill, ClimateIntel has heard from its Congressional sources that it is actually the progressive wing of the Democratic party that is proving the most recalcitrant.
Currently debate is focused around a 310-page amendment to the bill adopted by the Rules committee which deals with a wide range of issues, including the definition of biomass; the oversight of forestry and agricultural incentive programs; transmission line siting authority and changing how a renewable electricity standard operates. See an overview of the changes here.
We will update this post with any further developments in the debate.
For further information about this topic, please contact Akin Gump.
I appreciate your insights.
The following link (and map) shows how the HR2454 votes were distributed across congressional districts. This might be of interest to your readers.
http://agilisadvisory.com/blog/index.php/2009/06/30/climate-bill-hr-2454-votes-by-congressional-district/
A dynamic map is also available.
http://maker.geocommons.com/maps/6433
Comment by Joseph Hirl — June 30, 2009 @ 10:45 AM