State of the Union: Obama Supports Climate Bill, But How Clean Will It Be?

In Barack Obama's State of the Union address he put his support behind passing a climate bill, and also gave a little bit of insight into what it might look like.

Last night, President Obama did not get into a lot of specifics regarding climate change and clean energy, but he did issue a few important statements.  Most importantly, the president said he supported a bipartisan effort on the climate and energy bill, which would incorporate energy policies favoured by Republicans.  To that end, Obama endorsed the development of nuclear power and clean coal technology.  Although not a glowing endorsement, Obama also said tough decisions would have to be made regarding offshore oil and gas drilling.

The president's words and endorsements were strategically chosen to help garner support for Senators John Kerry and Lindsey Graham as they try to craft a climate and energy that allows for more compromise than the Waxman-Markey Bill.  In order for a climate bill to be passed, the Republicans will have to be on board, but one has to wonder at what cost?  The Waxman-Markey Bill already fell well short of scientific and international recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  So, what will a more compromising bill look like, and what effect will it have on international efforts to mitigate climate change?

Nevertheless, the president at least showed last night that he is committed to making climate change and new energy policy a priority in America.  This was highlighted when he astutely said, "I know there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change.  But even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future."

Read the full story at The Guardian:  Barack Obama commits to climate change bill

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