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McCain weighs in on emissions


Rebel senator promises Bill to promote 'green' technologies



By Upstream staff 

Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat John Kerry on Tuesday called for the Bush administration to help Congress write legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, saying delay is unacceptable.

The senators said at a Senate Commerce panel hearing they would introduce a Bill within the next few days to speed technology investments for cutting greenhouse gases.

McCain said even though sceptics can be found within the scientific community on what causes global warming - be it man-made or natural - the fact is the globe is warming, thereby providing an opportunity to use alternative fuel sources and methods.

"I guess the question is, how long do you wait for this body of science to become unanimous," McCain asked. He said even "modest action" needs to be explored, even as broader steps are pondered by Bush and the Congress. "I feel it is important we fully explore all policy options, including mandatory emission reductions, before proceeding with any final and definitive position," McCain said.

Kerry said the technology exists now to begin shifting American transportation and industry away from dirtier-burning fuels, giving Congress the opening to approve measures to fund more research into zero emission fuel cells, for example. The Massachusetts Democrat also blasted the administration for refusing to send anyone to the hearing, Reuters reported.

The new political pressure on the Bush administration comes one week before international negotiators gather in Bonn to attempt to finalise the 1997 Kyoto accord. Kerry criticised Bush's track record on the climate change question, including his declaration that Kyoto was dead and for releasing a national energy plan that would increase emissions by 35% in the coming years.


Tuesday, 10 July, 2001, 20:01 GMT  | last updated: Wednesday, 04 May, 2005, 11:58 GMT

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