On the recordJune 10, 2010
our Nation is not lacking in complex challenges. But among the most complex and difficult is this: How can we deal with the reality of climate change while also strengthening an economy that has depended for so long on fossil fuels? There is no denying the difficulty of meeting those often conflicting goals. The resolution before us purports to respond to this challenge, but I cannot support the approach that Senator Murkowski offers. Let me explain why. Senator Murkowski offers a resolution of disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's endangerment finding regarding the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions. This resolution's impact would be to block EPA from implementing that rule. First, I believe we all should understand that the subject of this resolution--EPA's endangerment finding--is a product of scientific review of the facts regarding climate change. Current law, and a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, require EPA to act in the face of these facts.
