Issues: Global Warming

In June 2008, the U.S. Senate had a historic opportunity to pass the Climate Security Act (commonly called the Lieberman-Warner bill) and address the climate crisis. Though the bill did not pass, 54 senators demonstrated their support for moving forward on comprehensive global warming legislation, signaling growing congressional backing for action to halt climate change.

Come January 2009, when a new administration and Congress step in, the need to act will only have grown more urgent. Congress needs to pass a strong law that promotes economic growth and job development while slashing global warming pollution. The sooner our country commits to solving the climate crisis, the better.

In the meantime, NRDC will continue working with states and businesses to reduce emissions, invest in energy efficiency, and support new technologies to develop a sustainable, clean energy future.

About the Climate Security Act

The Boxer-Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act Substitute Amendment (pdf)
The Boxer-Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 3036) substitute amendment, released by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on May 21, 2008, is a strong start toward cutting global warming pollution and investing in America's clean and secure energy future.

Household Transportation Fuel Bills and the Climate Security Act Including Savings for 2020 and 2030 (pdf)
Household transportation fuel bills in 2020 and 2030 could be 16 and 18 percent lower than today's bills even if oil companies purchase emission allowances under the Climate Security Act (CSA).

Coal and Natural Gas Use in the Electric Power Sector under the Climate Security Act (pdf)
This paper presents a scenario where increased reliance on efficiency, renewable resources and carbon dioxide capture from coal power plants can achieve the near and mid-term reduction goals of the Climate Security Act without significant changes in reliance on coal, natural gas or nuclear energy to meet U.S. power needs.

Forecasts of the Economic Effects of Climate Change Legislation: What Can We Conclude? (pdf)
A number of agencies and organizations have made forecasts of the economic impacts of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (CSA). This summary provides a brief overview of what these studies tell us.

The Climate Security Act Is an Investment in America's Clean and Independent Energy Future (pdf)
America has an opportunity to protect and create jobs by fighting global warming. The Climate Security Act includes many important provisions to fund investments that protect existing jobs, create new ones, and make the U.S. economy more competitive.

Cutting Global Warming Pollution at Low Costs with the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (pdf)
The global warming pollution reduction targets established by the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act can be achieved without a significant increase in the country's total energy costs.

U.S. Technology Choices, Costs and Opportunities under the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (pdf)
This analysis, conducted by the International Resources Group for NRDC, demonstrates that meeting global warming pollution reduction targets in the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act will reduce oil imports, increase clean energy production and lead to dramatically more fuel-efficient vehicles. PRESS RELEASE

Solving Global Warming: Your Guide to Legislation (pdf)
A comparison of federal global warming legislation in the 110th Congress.

Support for the Climate Security Act
Professional, business, religious, tribal and other organizations voice their support for the Climate Security Act.

Latest Blog Posts
NRDC's Switchboard bloggers on global warming legislation

last revised 4.29.08