The discussion draft that Representatives Waxman and Markey released almost a month ago will be in the company of several other bills to spur renewable energy and reduce GHG emissions. But, the bill contains several provisions that other bills will likely address singularly. So, it is worth summarizing Waxman’s bill, particularly as it will be the subject of several hearings this week. Thus the following, for reference.
On March 31, Representatives Waxman and Markey circulated a “discussion draft” of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), the first climate proposal in the 111th Congress. The bill combines climate change measures with initiatives to promote clean energy production, develop a new “smart” energy grid, and increase energy efficiency in homes, office building and on roadways.
At 648 pages, ACES contains specifics in several sections that prescribe new laws. In some areas, though, the draft acts as a blueprint that, in turn, adopts the blueprint presented by the Climate Action Partnership at a hearing in January 2009. Early press reports suggest that House Committee on Energy and Commerce will add detail in areas such as carbon offsets and auctioning while marking up the bill.
