WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Wednesday called a Democratic House proposal to tackle climate change a "jobs bill” and an investment in clean energy technology, rejecting Republican criticism that the increase in energy costs will undermine the economy.
Top environmental advisers to President Barack Obama broadly endorsed the draft bill that would cap greenhouse gases and reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. However, administration officials cautioned that the White House will work with House Democrats to fine-tune the legislation in coming weeks.
GOP lawmakers called the draft climate bill, which reflects the views of House Democratic leaders, a massive energy tax because it will put a price on carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., the committee chairman, said he is determined to pass a bill by the end of May.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has said she wants climate legislation passed before the August congressional recess.
by the associated press
Top environmental advisers to President Barack Obama broadly endorsed the draft bill that would cap greenhouse gases and reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. However, administration officials cautioned that the White House will work with House Democrats to fine-tune the legislation in coming weeks.
GOP lawmakers called the draft climate bill, which reflects the views of House Democratic leaders, a massive energy tax because it will put a price on carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., the committee chairman, said he is determined to pass a bill by the end of May.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has said she wants climate legislation passed before the August congressional recess.
by the associated press
